August 26, 2013

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Bhadra 11, 1420 Shawwal 18, 1434 Regd. No. DA 6238 Vol 1 No 154

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Wealth accounts slip into oblivion Foreign university policy Ministers, MPs keep flouting a key election pledge since second year in office n Mohosinul Karim Most of the ministers, advisors to the prime minister, lawmakers and their family members are yet to submit their wealth statements to the government in defiance of the government order.

The government in its election manifesto pledged that the wealth statements of ministers and lawmakers would go public.

Some of the ministers and lawmakers submitted the statements in the first year of the government but those have never been made public.

Over the last two and a half years that practice too has faded into oblivion.

The finance ministry instructed the cabinet division to ask the ministers, state ministers, advisors to the prime

minister and lawmakers to submit their and their family members’ wealth statements.

The cabinet division issued a circular on June 17, 2010 to this end.

Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan recently said they had not yet received any wealth statements. “We have asked them to submit the statements to the prime minister’s office and so far I know some of them have already done that.”

Mollah Waheduzzaman, senior secretary to the PMO, declined to comment on the matter.

But relevant officials at the PMO on condition of anonymity said very few of them turned up with the wealth statements. The rest are not interested at all, let alone making the statements public.

The officials said among the ministers, former communications minister Syed Abul Hossain and state minister for land Mostafizur Rahman submitted their wealth statements to the PMO. Finance Minister AMA Muhith himself disclosed his asset statement publicly.

Tax-related documents kept with the NBR are secret and people don’t have access to those. But they can know about the wealth statements of ministers and lawmakers only if those are made public.

The officials said corruption has risen in the country as the order of the prime minister has not been executed properly. If the statements had been made public corruption might have declined.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive di-

rector of the Transparency International Bangladesh, said non-submission of wealth statements of ministers, advisors and MPs is completely violation of the election pledges of the government.

People may lose their confidence in the election pledges of political parties, he said.

“It might help the government curb corruption in the administrations and public offices, if the ministers and lawmakers would have submitted their statements and they had been made public,” he went on to say.

He further said it was really unfortunate for the people of the country and the government that the order of the prime minister was not being executed. “It could have set a good example in the country.” l

finalised amid fear of discriminations n Mushfique Wadud The education ministry has already finalised a draft policy to allow foreign universities to open up branches, go into joint venture with local counterparts or operate study centres in Bangladesh.

Officials say the policy was drawn up based on the interests expressed by a number of foreign universities and their branches considering the growing number of higher education aspirants in the country.

However, academics and private university stakeholders have expressed fear that the policy, which is currently under the law ministry’s vetting, would

versity policy awaits nod from the law ministry, the cabinet and the parliament, some branches of foreign universities have already started advertising for admissions in national dailies violating laws already in place.

An August 23 advertisement published in a leading Bangla-language daily publicised that Commonwealth Open University is offering distance education in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral courses.

The tag line was “Earn British Degree at affordable cost at your home” was followed with nothing but some cell phone numbers, which could not be reached by the Dhaka Tribune despite numerous attempts.

GOLD, GREEN AND BLUE

The fields and water bodies in Kashiyani area of Gopalganj have become vibrant with jute processing activities. The photo was taken on Saturday

BNP wants settlement outside parliament

AL’s partial election steering committee formed n Partha Pratim Bhattacharjee n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla The ruling Awami League has constituted its election steering committee, headed by party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to speed up preparations for the next parliamentary polls, sources said.

PM’s advisers HT Imam and Mashiur Rahman have been made co-chairmen of the committee.

The formation of the panel came into light when HT Imam was speaking to some leaders at the party chief’s Dhanmondi office on Saturday, the sources said. The full committee would be declared within the next few days.

It is, however, not confirmed how many members would be opted in this panel later on.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

BNP will place a proposal on the formation of the poll-time interim government in the parliament but the issue of non-partisan polls-time administration should at first be settled outside the House, said a top leader of the party seeking anonymity.

Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia told the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon over the telephone Friday evening that the opposition would declare the formation of polls-time interim government only after the government announcement of neutral polls-time administration.

Khaleda told Moon they were ready to hold dialogue at any place and anytime, but before that, the government had to announce polls under a non-par-

INSIDE News

International

dedicated police unit to fight growing Islamist extremism as it appears tough on militancy and regional separatist groups operating on Bangladesh soil at the fag end its tenure.

rioters on Sunday a day after clashes between Buddhists and minority Muslims in the northern region of Sagaing in the latest widening of sectarian violence in the former military-run state.

3 The government has formed a new

Nation

9 Myanmar authorities detained a dozen

6 At least five pirates were critically injured and may have succumbed to their injuries, during a marathon six-hour gunfight with the police in the Manpura upazila of Bhola early Sunday.

Op-ed

Metro

Business

7 A walk past the streets and roads in the capital’s Dholaikhal area might make one wonder what could possibly be the authorities concerned doing.

11 Demanding an apology for 1971 war crimes is our valid right as Bangladeshis, but a tendency to demonise everything from Pakistan suggests immaturity.

B1 Amid private sector credit fall, Bangladesh Bank advised the commercial banks to give an enhanced focus on agricultural and SME sector credit.

tisan government, said the senior leader.

Khaleda Zia on Saturday night talked with some senior leaders of the party about Moon’s call and the issue would be discussed in detail on the next standing committee meeting of the party, he said.

P2 BNP ON HEFAZAT BNP standing committee member Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Reaz Rahman and Osman Faruk, advisers to BNP chairperson, met Khaleda at her Gulshan office Saturday night.

The leaders see the phone call from Moon as a positive move to resolve the prevailing political deadlock.

They believe that the political crisis can be settled if the UN is cordial.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

DHAKA TRIBUNE

create discrimination between the foreign and local private universities and would allow sub-standard universities from abroad to flood Bangladesh’s education arena.

The enactment of the Private University Act in 1992 had allowed private ventures to open higher education facilities in the country. Currently, there are 70 private universities that are catering to the demand of 300,000 students. The final amended version of the law of 2010 bans operation and conferring of degrees by foreign universities in the country. It also required branches operating to conform to government-formulated guidelines However, even as the foreign uni-

University Grants Commission member, Atful Hye Shibly, said he did not come across the advertisement but would take action if any university publishes advertisement without permission.

Not only advertisements, a number of foreign universities already have study centres operating in the country without any prior approval from the ministry or UGC. On June 4, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid told the parliament that 25 such branches are operating in the country. However, UGC officials said the number is much higher and 60 branches or study centres are in operation.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

ACC to file cases against BTCL officials n Syed Samiul Basher Anik The Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday approved filing four cases against 22 people, including Managing Director SOM Kalim Ullah and three other former managing directors of Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited, in connection with embezzling over Tk5.75bn through illegal Voice over Internet Protocol business.

ACC Commissioner M Shahabuddin said the commission had approved filing the cases at a recent meeting.

“Since we have found their involvement in the graft allegation the commission has taken the decision.”

The commission Deputy Director SM Shahidur Rahman is likely to file the cases with Ramna Police Station this week, a source from ACC said.

The commission inquiry found those 22 people swindling tk5.75bn

over the last four years through illegal VoIP business by erasing calls from call detail record.

BTCL Managing Director SOM Kalim Ullah, former managing directors SM Khairuzzaman, Afsar-ul-Alam and M Abu Sayed Khan, former member (maintenance and operation) Moham-

A total of Tk5.7bn swindled; Tk100m revenue loss a day for illegal VoIP business mad Tawfiq, General Manager Anowerul Azim, former divisional engineers Romel Chakma and Habibur Rahman Pramanik, Ericsson Bangladesh Ltd’s Contract Manager Asif Jahid, Relation Manager Nazrul Islam and engineer Masrurul Hakim will be made accused in the cases.

ACC officials said the BTCL officials in connivance with Ericsson Bangladesh Ltd embezzled the money by

erasing incoming international call minutes from call detail record of ITX-5 and ITX-7.

The commission inquiry found that the number of international incoming calls per day has now declined by 15m from nearly 45m recorded in early 2010 which allegedly caused Tk100m revenue in loss per day.

With this embezzlement, BTCL now has to pay over Tk10bn to some foreign carriers for the incoming foreign calls.

On November 5, 2012, the commission filed five cases against 14 people, including six officials of the BTCL, for misappropriation of the government revenue worth Tk2.05bn through illegal VoIP business.

Earlier on October 24, 2012, the commission filed another case against three top officials of BTCL and an IT company owner on charge of swindling around Tk32.7m of BTCL through illegal VoIP business. l

9 ‘militants’ remanded, more mysteries unearthed n Kailash Sarkar

All the nine members of militant organisation Ansarullah Bangla Team were placed on a five-day remand yesterday, within hours of their arrest from different parts of the capital.

Inspector of the Detective Branch (DB) of Police Syed Sagir Ahmed produced them at the court of Dhaka’s Metropolitan Magistrate Shahriar Mahmud Adnan with a prayer for a 10day remand.

In the prayer, the DB official said the detainees needed to be interrogated to glean more information about their cohorts.

The detainees are Saiful Islam, 21, Abu Hanif, 23, Aminul Islam, 25, Za-

hidul Islam, 27, Ali Azad, 28, Asad Ullah alias Md Pias alias Abdullah, 29, Junnun Sikder, 27, Kazi Mohammad Rezwan, 30, and Naimul Hasan, 28.

Police also seized computers, laptops, sharp weapons and various documents related to jihad from their possessions.

The lawmen claim that the detainees were close aides of Jasim Uddin Rahmania, the chief of Ansarullah Bangla Team, who was arrested on August 12 in Barguna with 30 of his associates.

Detectives produced them before the newsmen yesterday noon, but they were not allowed to speak to media.

The detainees are facing charges under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Anti-Terrorism Act in a case filed with Mohammadpur police station.

Follower of international militant organisation al-Qaeda, the newly-born outfit was carrying out its activities in four phases with a view to establish Shariah-based rule in the country by ousting the incumbent democratic government through an “armed revolution,” police say.

Jasim Uddin, also the chief of “Markajul Ulum Al Islamia” at Mohammadpur, is currently facing interrogation at the Joint Interrogation Cell in Dhaka.

DB officials said the nine detainees were from wealthy families, and of them, Junnun and Rezwan were the students of North South University.

The detainees also had close links with Bangladeshi youth Nafis, who has been jailed for 30 years in the USA for plan-

ning a bomb attack in New York.

Markajul Ulum Al Islamia has been working as the umbrella organisation of all militant groups. Nafis while in Bangladesh had visited the place several times and was inspired to launch the attack in New York, say detectives.

Md Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of DB, said Rezwan and Naimul were the main associates of Jasim Uddin for computer-technology-related activities; Saiful, Zahidul and Ali Azad were engaged in the uploading of the speeches of Jasim Uddin; while Abu Hanif, Naimul and Asad were providing Jasim with information.

The official said Naimul was the brother of Ijaj Hossain, the chief of  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

All appeals for Oishee rejected n Tribune Desk All of the pleas filed on behalf of Oishee Rahman, arrested over the murders of her parents, have been scrapped.

Metropolitan Magistrate Anwar Sadat, also judge of a juvenile court, threw out the appeals on Sunday, according to bdnews24.com.

Prakash Biswas, Mahbubul Hasan Rana and other lawyers for Oishee lodged several pleas on Saturday. They also moved the court to hear the case against her in the juvenile court that day.

Prakash Biswas told bdnews24.com they would now appeal with the High Court.

Those pleas described Oishee as a “mentally imbalanced” person and demanded court’s directives to ensure her medical treatment apart from allowing her counsels to visit the crime spot.

They also sought bail for the Oxford International School student.

Police recovered the bodies of Special Branch of police Inspector Mahfuzur Rahman and his wife Swapna Begum from their Chamelibagh residence on August 16. Their bodies bore

multiple stab wounds, which forensic experts believed, were the work of amateurs.

Oishee was on the suspect list as she left the house before the bodies were discovered.

She surrendered before Paltan police on August 17. Later, her domestic help Khadiza Khatun Sumi and her friend Mijanur Rahman Roni were also arrested.

Police have claimed she alone murdered her parents as she was nurturing hatred for them.

The slain police official’s brother Moshiur Rahman Rubel, also the plaintiff of the twin murder case, however, suspects “any other mystery” behind the killings.

Oishee yesterday gave a “confessional” statement before a Dhaka court at the end of her five-day remand. The court sent her and the domestic help Sumi to jail. They have been sent to Gazipur Kishori Unnayan Kendra, a juvenile correction home.

The court again sent Roni on a fiveday remand as he is yet to give his confessional statement. l

News

Monday, August 26, 2013

We don’t support BISWAJIT MURDER CASE Hefazat’s stance on women: Fakhrul n Our Correspondent, Thakurgaon BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said they did not agree with all the issues of Hefazat-e-Islami, especially on its stance on women issues.

“Allegations are there that we have connection with Hefazat. We support Hefazat’s right to assemble or gathering and we have also protested the mass killing of the government but we do not agree with their issue of women’s rights,” he said.

BNP Vice-Chairman Sadeque Hossain Khoka, however, said earlier whenever they came to power they would meet the demands of Hefazat.

Addressing a meeting in Thakurgaon organised by Thakurgaon municipality unit, Fakhrul said the next parliamentary election in Bangladesh would be held under the caretaker government.

The nation will not allow any alternative formula. The international community also does not support the attempt of the government to hold the next polls under a partisan government, he said.

The UN secretary-general also advised the government to hold an acceptable election, he added. l

Three more depositions made n Tribune Report Three more prosecution witnesses gave depositions in the Bishwajit murder case before a Dhaka speedy trial tribunal yesterday.

Out of the 60 prosecution witnesses, 16 have given depositions so far in the sensational case.

The court has set the next date for recording depositions of rest of the witnesses tomorrow.

Acting judge Md Nuruzzman of the Speedy Trial Tribunal 4 recorded the depositions.

The three witnesses are Jahidul Haque, sub-inspector of Sutrapur police station, Saiful Islam, a staff of a dental care located near Bahadurshah Park, and Md Habibur Rahman, a bus driver.

Jahidul Haque said he went to Salimullah Medical College and prepared the inquest report.

Bishwajit, a 24-year-old tailor, was hacked to death on December 9 last year, by the BCL (Bangladesh Chhatra Dal) activists near Bahadur Shah Park in the court area in Old Dhaka soon after pro-opposition lawyers brought out

a procession in support of a countrywide blockade.

He was brutally hacked and beaten up for half an hour, in the presence of police, by the ruling party men, who mistook him for a pro-opposition activist.

The incident was widely covered by the media and the killers were clearly identified through photographs and video footage. It raised an outcry over the credibility of the law enforcers in containing crimes committed by activists of the ruling party.

Sub-Inspector Jalal Uddin of Sutrapur police station filed a murder case on the same day.

On March 5, DB inspector Md Tajul Islam submitted the charge sheet against 21 BCL activists accused for their alleged involvement with the killing.

Out of the accused, eight, identified as Mahfuzur Rahman Nahid, AHM Kibria, Quiyum Miah Tipu, GM Rasheduzzaman Shaon, Saiful Islam, Emdadul Haque Emdad, Golam Mustafa and Mohammad Rafiqul Islam alias Shakil, are currently in jail, while rest of the 13 are absconding. l

6,000 tonnes urea damaged n Tribune Report Rain water has damaged about 6,000 tonnes of urea fertiliser that were kept under the open sky outside a warehouse of the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation in Dinajpur for nearly a month.

Sources said 16,000 tonnes of fertiliser were sent for storage at the warehouse for distribution among farmers in Parbatipur and Chirirbandar upazilas of Dinajpur and Nilphamari districts, according to banglanews24.com.

As the warehouse has a storage capacity of only 10,000 tonnes, the rest was kept in the open. Huge damage has been already done to the fertiliser by the elements over the past month.

However, the fertiliser, which has hardened and become discoloured, is being distributed among dealers after repackaging, the sources claimed.

Shajahan Ali, an official in charge of the warehouse, said 6,000 tonnes of fertiliser were kept outside as the extra amount was beyond the capacity of the warehouse. He also said the urea was damaged as rain soaked the sacks in the open.

Meanwhile, Rahenul Islam, local administrator of Parbatipur upazila, and Abu Fattah Rowshon Kabir, upazila agricultural official, visited the warehouse on Thursday. l

Rajshahi police arrest one mastermind of RU violence n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi

Police arrest nine members of Ansarullah Bangla Team yesterday after conducting raids on different areas of the capital. The photo was taken in front of the DB office NASHIRUL ISLAM

9 ‘militants’ remanded  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

operation wing of Ansarullah Bangla Team. Ijaj had fled to Pakistan in 2008.

“Before joining the Ansarullah Bangla Team, Ijaj Hossain was the chief of Bangladesh chapter of Jama’atul Muslemin. Although he fled to Pakistan, he used to visit Bangladesh twice or thrice a year.”

According to the DB officials, the central chief of Jama’atul Muslemin is a Jordan-born British national. His name is Sheikh Abu Isa Ali Arrifai Al Hasemi al Koraishi alias Abu Isa. He had also had visited Bangladesh in 2002 and opened an office near the NSU campus in Bashundhara Residential Area. But he returned in 2008 and was arrested by the London police the same year.

Since then, Jama’atul Muslemin has been under the watch of Bangladeshi intelligence agencies.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, Monirul said: “Junnun Sikder was a student of computer science department at NSU. He later left the NSU and got admitted to the Arabic department at Darul Ihsan University in view to carry out ‘dawati’ activities.

“He also had close links to Rezowanul Azad Rana, the main planner of the killing of blogger Razib Haider,” claimed Monirul.

Razib, who had been active in the Shahbagh movement against the war

criminals, was hacked to death in front of his house in Mirpur on February 15. He was labelled by Islamists as an “atheist blogger.”

Ansarullah Bangla Team works in four phases – Dawah, Idad, Ribart and Kital – to establish Shariah rules, said Monirul.

Through “Dawah,” the militants attract people in religious activities; “Idad” is a process when Ansars are formed to shelter the organisation through armed fights; “Ribart” is the way of establishing Shariah rules through guerrilla fighting and attacks on key installations or establishment as well as killing the people who would disagree with their ideologies.

If Islam is not established through jihad, then they would opt for ‘Kital,’ which means killing some specific people, said police.

They said the outfit had been planning to oust the government and establish Shariah law by carrying out attacks on different police stations and looting their arms.

Ansarullah Bangla Team was formed following the ideology of Anwar Al-Awlaki, a Yemen-based al-Qaeda leader who was killed in 2011 in the USA. Earlier, the DB personnel in separate drives arrested 10 persons, including six NSU students in connection with the killing of blogger Razib. Four others, including a Dhaka University student, were also arrested for attempting to kill two other bloggers. l

AL’s partial election steering  PAGE 1 COLUMN 1

Before the 2008 polls, the Awami League formed an 11-strong election steering committee with Hasina at its helm and HT Imam as the co-chairman.

The ruling party has already declared to launch electioneering formally from September 1. The party president would make the announcement from a public rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on August 30.

While talking to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday, AL presidium member Kazi Zafarullah admitted about formation of the committee. He, however, could not name its members.

Besides, the sources said Hasina

asked party’s former organising secretary and lawmaker from a Dhaka constituency Saber Hossain Chowdhury to attend the Dhanmondi office regularly as he was assigned to discharge some specific election-related duties.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, Saber said: “An election involves many different tasks. I will oversee some of those.”

The Awami League has also decided to train up 600,000 party members as polling agents. Maryland-based Democratic International would conduct the training sessions across the country starting from September, the sources confirmed. l

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police arrested Abdullah Al Masum, Assistant Publicity Secretary of Rajshahi City unit Islami Chhatra Shibir, from Upasahar area of the city on Saturday night.

At a police press conference yesterday, Masum disclosed that he was involved in the planning of the attack on Rajshahi University Chhatra League General Secretary Touhid Al Hossain Tuhin last week.

Masum said he was not directly involved in attacking Tuhin but as a leader of Shibir, he knew about the plot of attacking Tuhin.

The attackers cut the tendons of Tuhin’s arms and legs. Masum refused to disclose the identities of the attackers.

Police said Masum was the mastermind behind all major attacks conducted by Shibir against police and the

Chhatra League leaders in the recent times.

Masum further disclosed that Shibir members had established close ties with Rajshahi University’s Chhatra League leaders and activists, especially those who failed to get any posts in the newly formed committee of the unit.

He said the operation against Tuhin was conducted by a rival group of Chhatra League and Shibir only acted as a catalyst.

Sitting with the dissenting leaders of Chhatra League, Shibir leaders chalked out a plan to attack Tuhin.

Masum said Chhatra League leaders who were with Tuhin during the attack were well informed about the incident.

They revealed Tuhin’s location to Shibir before the attack on condition that none of them will be harmed and will be given a safe exit from campus.

Masum also disclosed that Shibir activists earlier attacked Chhatra League

BNP wants settlement outside parliament  PAGE 1 COLUMN 3

When Moon asked if BNP would place any proposal on the poll-time government in the parliament, Khaleda told him the government had the absolute majority, and if it was not cordial to resolve the crisis, BNP’s proposal would do little, the party leader said, quoting Khaleda.

The BNP chairperson told Moon most of the political parties of the country except Awami League wanted election under a non-partisan interim government.

She also mentioned the court verdict which scrapped the caretaker government provision.

Khaleda also said the tribunal also passed the judgment that the next two elections could be held under the caretaker government system.

During the telephone conversa-

tion with the UN secretary-general, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said if BNP placed any proposal on poll-time administration’s structure in the next parliamentary session, it would be discussed in the House.

The leader of the opposition, however, said BNP was ready for dialogue with the ruling party, but would not participate in any polls under the incumbent government.

Another senior leader of the party said BNP chairperson expressed her cordial attitude to Moon to resolve the crisis.

“Though BNP demands an election under a non-partisan interim government, it will not raise question about the other members of the poll-time administration if the chief of that interim government structure is non-partisan

and neutral.”

He also said within a month a high-powered delegation from UN might visit Bangladesh in an effort to bring the two main political leaders – Hasina and Khaleda – to a dialogue table.

But Bangladesh Permanent Representative to UN AK Abdul Momen told the Dhaka Tribune if the Bangladesh government invited the UN officials to visit Dhaka, it would send a team.

“They want to come to Dhaka to hold talks with the government and other stakeholders,” he said.

When asked about the likely visit of UN Assistant Secretary General Oscar-Fernandez Taranco, he said he was not aware of it.

“So far I know he was with the UN secretary general and he would go on

Vice President Takim in the same manner and other leaders accompanying him at that time were also collaborating in the attack.

When asked why Shibir had carried out these attacks, Masum said on September 11, 2012 Shibir leaders and activists were driven out of the campus by police and Chhatra League. Takim and Tuhin brandished firearms openly in the drive.

Since that drive, Shibir members were planning to attack Takim and Tuhin and after getting green signal from the centre, they attacked.

RMP Commissioner Moniruzzaman told journalists that Masum was behind all major incidents of recent attacks on police and Chhatra League leaders.

“He himself was involved with at least 60 bomb attacks in various places of the city during hartal and clashes with police and Chhatra League,” he said. l

vacation,” Momen said.

Asked about Taranco’s visit, Director General Saida Muna Tasneem of the UN wing of the foreign ministry sent an SMS, saying Dhaka had not received any communications from New York or UN Resident Coordinator office in Dhaka about the visit.

Earlier, on May, Moon sent Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, assistant secretary general for political affairs of the UN, to visit Bangladesh to create an atmosphere for a dialogue between the two main political parties, but after he left the country, the efforts died down.

Taranco met with the prime minister, leader of the opposition, Speaker of the House, the chief election commissioner and selected members of civil society. l

Foreign university policy finalised amid fear of discriminations  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

The ministry also found that a number of them did not even have connections with the foreign universities they boasted and in 2007 and 2012, the government published advertisements in the newspaper about 58 branches operating illegally in the country. Despite that, a number of them still operate to date.

The policy, if passed, would endorse such operations alongside relaxing some requirements in comparison to those of local private universities including space requirements and number of students.

Foreign university branches can open academic activities with only 15,000 square feet of space and 30 students and study centres would need 10,000 square feets, whereas local private universities requires 25,000 square feet of space and at least four schools, under which different departments will run.

Local private universities would have to treat higher studies as a non-profit business organisation under the private university act, whereas those for foreign universities have been kept flexible under the draft policy.

Education Secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury told the Dhaka Tribune that some foreign universities have applied to open up branches, so they were considering the matter.

He, however, did not answer when asked if it was necessary to give permission to new universities when a good number institutions were running in the country.

Vice chancellor of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology AMM Safiullah said the government has to be careful while giving permission to universities those could run as commercial ventures.

“When the government cannot monitor the existing universities, it remains a concern whether it would be possible to monitor branches of foreign universities.”

He said the government should promote the existing universities so that they could provide quality education.

Professor of University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh’s general education department, Salimullah Khan, expressed fear that some of the provisions in the draft policy would allow low-quality foreign universities to flood the country’s education sector and allow scopes for corruption.

He also called for having a uniform policy for both the local and foreign universities.

“When the government seems to be taking the hard-line against coaching centres, they are also promoting the coaching centres [business] as these study centres are nothing but coaching

centres.”

Dhaka University professor Fakrul Alam pointed out that many students were already deceived by so-called foreign university branches and called for strong monitoring from the government. “Government can give permission but there should be strong monitoring so that students are not deceived.”

He also echoed Salimullah and called for a uniform system to avoid discrimination between local and foreign universities.

Vice president of the Association of Private Universities, Abul Quasem Haider, pointed out further examples of discrimination. “Under the Private University Act 2010, universities cannot open outer campuses. However, permitting foreign universities to open branches, the government is in principle allowing outer campuses.”

“Most importantly, some branches of foreign universities have been operating for quite a long time without permission. Government failed to regulate them. How can we expect that the government will be able to regulate them after giving permission.”

He said they have no objections if top-ranking foreign universities open branches here, but fear that low-quality universities from neighbouring countries would enter the market and harm quality of education.

Muktadir Rahman, Principal of London School of Commerce’s Dhaka Centre, which has been operating in the country from 1995 without any approval from the UGC or the education ministry, said allowing foreign universities in the market would help increase quality of higher education.

“When there is competition among universities, the quality of the higher education will increase,” he said adding that the Association of Private Universities is opposing the government decision fearing tough competition from foreign counterparts.

“Giving permission to foreign universities will help Bangladeshi students to earn foreign degrees at home,” he said adding that he believes with proper UGC monitoring, there will be no threat that low quality foreign university branches would flood the country.

UGC chair AK Azad Chowdhury echoed Muktadir saying that giving permission to foreign universities will help the country’s higher education system to reach international standards.

He said that foreign universities would be required to be accredited in their respective countries and thus low quality foreign universities cannot enter the market. He also said the guideline would not have any discriminatory provision. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

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Monday, August 26, 2013

EXTENSION FOR AUDIT REPORT SUBMISSION

Election Commission turns down applications of 10 parties n Mohammad Zakaria The Election Commission has rejected applications of 10 registered political parties that applied for an extension to submit their annual audit reports to it.

Besides, the EC would send letters to 39 registered political parties warning them that they must submit their annual audit reports at due time in future.

It would also ask the registered ones not to apply for an extension to submit their annual audit reports further.

The decision came at the yesterday’s commission meeting, sources in the Election Commission said.

On July 31, only two political parties of 12 did not apply to the EC for an extension while the rest 10 did.

The 10 parties are Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Workers Party, Bangladesh Sammyabadi Dal, Oikkyoboddho Nagorik Andolan, Jatiya Party-JP, Bangladesh Muslim League, Bikolpodhara Bangladesh, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jatiya Party and Islami Oikkyo Jote.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan

and Gono Front did neither apply for an extension nor submitted their annual audit reports to the Election Commission.

EC Secretary Dr Mohammad Sadik said there was no chance to extend time for political parties to submit their audit reports as per the political party registration law.

According to the Article 90 (H) of the Representation of the People Order, the Election Commission could cancel the registration of any political party if it fails to submit audit report successively for three years.

Earlier, 27 registered political parties including Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party (Ershad) submitted their annual audit reports to the EC at due time.

The EC rejected the audit report of Bangladesh Communist Party as it did not examine its financial transaction through the registered audit farms.

As per the law of political party registration, registered political parties had to submit their last year (JanuaryDecember) financial transactions to the EC by July 31. l

A city corporation bulldozer evicts a rickshaw-van stand, which encroached upon a playground beside the Karwan Bazar kitchen market yesterday

Police to get a new counter terrorism bureau The new bureau is said to be the focal point for anti-militancy drives and end overlapping of various agencies Reza Chowdhury and n Kamran Mohosinul Karim The government has formed a new dedicated police unit to fight growing Islamist extremism as it appears tough on militancy and regional separatist groups operating on Bangladesh soil at the fag end its tenure.

The new counter Terrorism bureau will help the police to better implement the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009, amended in 2012, in line with the Awami League’s electoral pledge to fight militancy of all forms.

Home ministry officials said the new entity – the National Police Bureau on Counter Terrorism – will be the focal point of the government’s anti-terrorism activities, now carried out partly by the Criminal Investigation Department and the district police authorities.

Biswas Afzal Hossain, a deputy inspector general of police, has been nominated the chief of the new bureau,

Mainuddin Khandokar, an additional secretary of the home ministry, told the Dhaka Tribune last week.

“The police headquarters have already begun the process of constituting the National Police Bureau of Counter Terrorism,” he said.

The home ministry has prepared a manpower organogram for the bureau and sent it to the public administration ministry for approval following which the home ministry will complete the setup of the bureau, Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, a home ministry joint secretary (police), told the Dhaka Tribune.

“This bureau is surely consistent with our anti-terrorism law,” Hassan Mahmood Khandker, the inspector general of police, told Dhaka Tribune.

The anti-terrorism law stipulates that any action aimed at challenging the state authority through violent means will come under the purview of terrorism.

The tough law also prohibits fuelling insurgency in other countries. Even the

backers of terrorism, extremism and militancy will also face similar measures.

Officials involved in the process said the police at the district and the upzilla levels are overburdened with different types of activities, making them impossible to give special focus on anti-terrorism activities. Besides, the police officers have little experience about implementing the anti-terrorism law.

The new bureau is expected to avert any possible overlapping of anti-terrorism activities by the various law enforcement agencies.

Due to flawed process of filing charge sheets, most of the accused in the cases filed under the anti-terrorism act have managed to secure bail from the court, frustrating the government.

The anti-terrorism law forces the police to seek prior “sanction” from the deputy commissioner in a given district before bringing the charges of terrorism, extremism and militancy.

But in most cases, police brings ter-

Ashrafuzzaman hid Pintu gets bail in a case in Tangail in his village after According to the prosecution, 15-20 liberation: Witness n Our Correspondent, Tangail people equipped with lethal weapons Former deputy minister Abdus Salam sent by Abdus Salam Pintu raided the n Muktasree Chakma Sathi Pintu was granted bail yesterday in a house of Awami League leader Zahedul A prosecution witness yesterday told the war crimes tribunal that after December 16, 1971, the fugitive accused Md Ashrafuzzaman Khan had hidden himself in his village home at Chhota Vatara of Moksedpur in Faridpur.

Freedom fighter Firoz Khan, the 17th prosecution witness in the case, also stated that in late December, the local freedom fighters had tried to nab Ashrafuzzaman as they came to know that he was involved in the killing of intellectuals in Dhaka.

“But their efforts were in vain,” Firoz who hails from neighbouring village Batikmari of Moksedpur told the International Crimes Tribunal 2 of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md Shahinur Islam.

Sixty-year old Firoz also said Lutfar Rahman, a cousin of the accused, had told him about news in the daily Purbadesh on Ashrafuzzaman, which labelled him “a killer of intellectuals.”

Firoz, who was a Class 10 student during the Liberation War, said Lutfar also told him that Ashrafuzzaman had fled to the USA via India and Pakistan, and would never come back to the country. Ashrafuzzaman was an active member of Islami Chhatra Sangha, the then student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, at Dhaka University, he said.

The witness said even in 1972, a police officer had gone to Ashrafuzzaman’s village home and enquired about his whereabouts. The officer had told Firoz that two murder cases had been lodged against the fugitive with Ramna and Mirpur police stations.

Later, defence counsel Md Abdus Shukkur Khan cross-examined the witness. The tribunal set Tuesday for further procedure of the case that also involves Chowdhury Mueen Uddin. Mueen and Ashrafuzzaman were indicted on July 15 jointly on 11 counts of crimes against humanity. l

court in Tangail in an arson case lodged by an Awami League leader of Bhuapur upazila.

Pintu, also BNP vice president, appeared in front of the Senior Judicial Magistrate of Tangail Sheulirani Das in the morning.

The court heard the arguments of the defendant and the plaintiff and granted the bail prayer. Pintu earlier filed three bail petitions in the case, all of which were rejected.

Islam Bhuyan of Bhuapur upazila on October 1, 2001. They demanded Tk300,000 from Fuluwara Begum, wife of Zahedul Islam. They beat Fuluwara Begum and looted Tk7,300, two cows and the head of a tube well when she refused to pay the extortion.

Zahedul Islam lodged a case with Bhuapur police against Pintu and others on October 13, 2012.

Pintu is also one of the accused in the August 21 grenade attack case. l

rorism charges without prior sanction from the administration, prompting the court to grant bails.

The bureau will have its own investigation team for charging the terrorists and extremists for trial. It will impart training to the police personnel on investigation of the terrorism related cases.

Besides, it will undertake preventive measures for countering terrorism, extremism and militancy, simultaneously maintaining compiled data on extremism and militancy.

The police headquarters are yet to maintain a databank on the August 17 serial bomb blast across Bangladesh. It will have a research wing to know the trend of terrorism by both the domestic and foreign groups.

The Awami League government, since assuming office in January 2009, conducted tough anti-militancy operations against the Northeastern separatist groups, who get backing from a section in Bangladesh. Most of the leaders of

A new prosecution witness yesterday said Pakistani army members along with local collaborators, on order of war crimes suspect Motiur Rahman Nizami had committed massacre in two villages in Pabna’s Santhia during the Liberation War. Jamal Uddin, 60, told the International Crimes Tribunal 1 that he witnessed at least 200-300 houses in Karamja and Haria villages being burnt down. He later learnt from local razakars, detained by freedom fighters after the liberation, that the arson attack had been carried out on Nizami’s order. Most of the villagers belonged to the Hindu community.

The 17th prosecution witness, hailing from village Dohorjani in Santhia, claimed that he was a former deputy commander of Muktijoddha Sangsad in Santhia.

After his deposition, defence counsel Mizanul Islam cross examined him for an hour. The tribunal 1 headed by Justice ATM Fazle Kabir set today for continuing the cross-examination as the defence pleaded for an adjournment because of

his physical illness.

The Jamaat chief was indicted on May 28 last year on 16 counts of crimes against humanity he allegedly committed in Pabna and Dhaka during the Liberation War. The charges against him include genocide, rape, torture, abduction, confinement and conspiracy.

During the disposition, prosecution lawyer Mohammad Ali was warned by the tribunal as he was continuously prompting the witness by giving clues on the incidents Jamal was describing.

The defence raised objection against such conduct and then the tribunal cautioned the prosecution lawyer.

The witness also said he heard from locals that the Pakistani army, razakars and al-Badr had killed around 450 people in villages Rupshi, Baushgari and Demra on May 14, 1971.

Quoting his fellow freedom fighters and detained razakars, Jamal described how two freedom fighters had been brutally tortured by local collaborators in the presence of Nizami. One of them, Asad, who was hung upside down from a tree, was later killed in a bayonet charge.

NU to introduce new course on Bangladesh’s history n Mushfique Wadud National University of Bangladesh yesterday decided to introduce a new course titled History of Emergence of Bangladesh for its students.

The decision was taken at the 79th academic council meeting of the university held at its main campus in Gazipur.

National University Pro Vice Chancellor Munaz Ahmed Noor said students of all disciplines, including science group students, have to take the 100 marks course.

The new course has four credits, which will be included in both honours and pass course curriculum. Historians appreciated and welcomed the decision.

Sharifullah Bhuyan, chairman of Dhaka University’s history department, said all universities should introduce a compulsory course on the history of emergence of Bangladesh.

The academic council meeting also decided to form an academic monitoring team to monitor academic activities of the colleges under the university. l

Body parts came from a medical college: Police n Tribune Report Police now suspects that the 16 severed human body parts and 13 bones which were recovered from Dhaka South City Corporation landfill in Matuail on Friday, came from an anatomy department of some medical college in the capital.

Demra zone’s Assistant Commissioner of police Minhazul Islam said the bones and body parts were chemically decomposed with material used

Nizami ordered murder, rape and arson: Witness n Udisa Islam

these armed groups were either arrested or managed to flee Bangladesh territory owing to the government’s zero tolerance for terrorism and extremism.

Diplomats and experts have welcomed formation of the bureau against terrorism.

“It [the proposed bureau] has relevance in Bangladesh,” ambassador Rashid told the Dhaka Tribune.

“Some people fighting in the Afghan wars have been living in Bangladesh.

Some hardliners with ‘Islam is the best’ notion are here as well. They get the funding from different countries,” the ambassador said.

He said just passage of laws would not suffice to tackle the menace of terrorism or extremism. “Proper institutional mechanism coupled with trained human resources is a pre-condition to its successful functioning.”

Rashid said the United States and India had expertise in this area. “They can train our police in this regard.” l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

He also described the killing of 14 people including freedom fighters at Dhulauri village on November 27 of 1971.

At that time, three to four groups of freedom fighters were at the village. Some razakars and al-Badr members came to the village under the leadership of Nizami and started firing. That day, 14 unarmed people were killed, nine of whom were freedom fighters.

The witness quoted freedom fighter Shahjahan, alias Golakata Shahjahan, who survived the incident, saying that he had been attacked by one Sattar Razakar in presence of Nizmai, and left for dead.

In 2000, Jamal was present when the state minister Abu Sayeed along with officials of the local administration had visited Karamja village. Digging the land beside one Mega Thakur’s house, they had found some bones. Jamal said: “People from this village told us that in May during the Liberation War, razakars came to Mega Thakur’s house and killed nine unarmed people. We also came to know that they raped his daughter and daughter-in-law.” l

to preserve bodies. “It seems absurd that criminals would preserve the bodies after killing,” he observed.

Minhazul Islam said some veins of the bodies were cut off – similar to the way anatomy students at medical colleges cut while learning dissection.

The bones were also attached by screw, which matches with works by medical students at dissection class, he added.

A police official of Jatrabari Police Station seeking anonymity said, a primary probe has found that the

bodies were dumped by a private medical college at Dhanmondi. It is illegal to dump bodies for medical use, he added.

However, Inspector (Investigation) of Jatrabari Police Station Abani Shankar Kar said, they will not comment over the issue before the DNA test is done.

Meanwhile, a medical board is supposed to be set up at Sir Salimullah Medical College to conduct the DNA test. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Vitamin A, de-worming tablets to be administered separately

Monday, August 26, 2013

TREE ON RENT?

Government plans nationwide mass awareness involving teachers, clergymen, political and social leaders to check spread of rumours of child sickness or death from these tablets

n Moniruzzaman Uzzal The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has decided not to distribute deworming tablets during the National Vitamin A Plus campaign, to be conducted throughout the country, following allegations that many children had become sick and many had even died after consuming the tablets during the last two campaigns.

The National Steering Committee for Vaccination, headed by Health Minister Professor Dr AFM Ruhal Hoque, unanimously decided to run the programmes separately.

Prof Khondoker Md Sifayet Ullah, Director General at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) told the Dhaka Tribune: “It is true that we will no longer distribute Vitamin A capsule and de-worming tablets together as there was allegations that many children had become sick and many had even died after consuming the Vitamin A and de-worming tablets.”

However, he claimed that several probe teams have found such allega-

JL cadre beats up contractor for extortion

n Our Correspondent, Narsingdi At least 10 construction workers and a contractor were beaten up yesterday, allegedly by Jubo League cadre Obaidul Haq and his cohorts, after refusing to give in to extortion demands.

The incident took place at noon yesterday at Aliabad in Narsingdi’s Shibpur upazila. The injured included the contractor, Muslim Mia, 45, and workers – Al Amin, 26, Shah Alam, 32, Hazrat Ali, 38, Idris Ali, 35, and Masum, 25.

Police and witnesses said the victims were working on a 4km road development project, stretching from Aliabad to Gozaria. Obaidul and his cohorts had been allegedly disrupting the development work, after demanding Tk200,000 as extortion from the contractor.

The attack on the workers ensued after Obaidul, arrived at the site and stopped work after being refused the extortion money. The miscreants allegedly beat up Muslim Mia and the workers, before locals rescued the victims and rushed them to Shibpur Hospital. A case has been filed with Shibpur thana in connection with the incident. l

WEATHER

No change in temperature likely n UNB Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Sylhet and Chittagong divisions and at a few places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barisal divisions until 6pm today.

Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country, Met Office said.

The sun sets in the capital at 6:22pm today and rises at 5:39am tomorrow.

Country’s highest temperature 36.4 degree Celsius was recorded yesterday at Rajshahi and lowest 24.5 degrees at Kutubdia.

Highest and lowest temperature recorded in some major cities yesterday were: City

High

Low

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

35.0 30.7 36.4 35.0 34.8 34.0 34.8 31.8

28.0 25.6 28.0 28.0 27.2 27.3 27.4 26.4

tions to be false.

Claiming that there was a “zero percent” chance of becoming sick from Vitamin A capsules, Prof Sifayet Ullah alleged that unscrupulous people were spreading rumours about the health ministry’s purchase of sub-standard vitamin capsules from a non-reputed Indian company. There is no truth to those claims, he said.

However, he admitted that scientific findings have indicated that de-worming tablets might cause vomiting and abdominal pain, while the hard form of deworming capsules made it difficult for small children to swallow the medicine.

Under the new de-worming programme, the hard tablets will be replaced by easily chewable ones.

In a bid to regain people’s trust and boost the campaign, the national steering committee has also decided to run a mass awareness programme with the help of teachers, clergymen, political and social leaders. For many years, both Vitamin A capsules and de-worming tablets were provided together to the children during the campaign.

During the earlier campaigns, 22 million children between the ages of six months to five years benefited from one dose of Vitamin A capsule. Children above two years of age were administered a de-worming tablet.

Several members of the national steering committee told the Dhaka Tribune that Vitamin A Plus campaign was one of the most successful programmes run by health ministry.

Apart from helping to reduce malnutrition among children, the programme also saves thousands of children from night blindness. The campaign also raises awareness among pregnant mothers to consume more green leafy vegetables and fruits. Research has shown that Vitamin A reduces child mortality by 23 to 24 percent.

Currently, night blindness among children under 5 years is 0.66 percent, while the figure is 2.8 percent for pregnant mothers.

The Vitamin A Plus campaign is expected to commence in the first week of October. The date of de-worming campaign is yet to be finalised. l

JU back to normal life n JU Correspondent

All academic and administrative activities at Jahangirnagar University resumed yesterday, after the agitating teachers suspended their demonstrations.

On Saturday night, the agitating teachers – under the banner of Sadharon Shikkhak Forum – suspended their demonstrations for 15 days, following an understanding with the Education Ministry.

The convener of the teachers’ forum, Prof Md Hanif Ali told Dhaka Tribune, “We have come to an understanding that the agitation would be suspended for next 15 days while a probe committee would investigate our allegations against the Vice-Chancellor.”

“A final decision would be made based on the probe report within 15 days” he added.

With the suspension of the agitation programme, academic and administrative activities resumed as teachers returned to the classrooms, sources said.

The VC’s secretary Md Amzad Hossain said, “The activities of the administrative office are running from

Sunday morning and everyone is doing their job.”

A group of pro-Awami League teachers, led by former VC Prof Shariff Enamul Kabir, and pro-BNP teachers had been demonstrating against the VC for four months, bringing over a dozen allegations against Prof Anwar Hossain and demanding his removal.

On Wednesday, they confined the VC at his office after he allegedly ignored the teachers’ agitation by entering the administrative office during a strike called by the teachers’ forum.

The agitating teachers kept the JU VC confined in his office till Saturday night, before suspending their demonstrations following talks with Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid.

VC Prof Anwar Hossain, in a reaction to the teachers’ blockade withdrawal, told Dhaka Tribune “I’m thanking the teachers’ for returning to classrooms.”

“Although the suspension of agitation is a temporary solution, I hope all crises would be solved very soon,” he added.

The JU VC had earlier rejected the teachers’ call for his resignation, saying that the agitation was irrational. l

Malaysia-bound workers fly on August 27 and 28 n Rabiul Islam First batch of Malaysia-bound migrant workers is scheduled to fly in a Malaysian Airlines at 12:40am on August 27, according to officials of Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

The officials said in the first batch 90 workers would go to Malaysia. The second batch with 83 workers would fly on August 28.

“We have already completed all procedures and the workers have been asked to report at haji camp in Ashkona in the afternoon on Monday [today],” BMET Director Ziaul Haque of administration told the Dhaka Tribune over phone yesterday.

The admin director said the workers would be given necessary documents at the haji camp including their passport before their flights.

The BMET officials said Expatriates’

Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain would inaugurate the first batch at haji camp.

Malaysia had issued visa for 174 workers under the government to government arrangement.

A total of 173 workers were going to Malaysia to join work in plantation sector with a migration cost of around Tk30,000.

However, one of the selected workers had refused to go, BMET officials said.

The Bangladesh government tried to send workers on national airlines of the two countries but failed to seize the opportunity as the Malaysian side refused to receive workers at 1.30am, officials said adding Bangladesh Biman takes off at 8:30pm.

Earlier, a total of 198 workers have gone to Malaysia under the government to government arrangement. l

PRAYER TIMES Fajar Sunrise Jumma Asr Magrib Esha

4:20am 5:37am 12:00pm 4:33pm 6:22pm 7:41pm

Source: IslamicFinder.org

Shiro Sadoshima, ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, Mohammad Shafiqul Azam, additional secretary of government’s Economic Relations Division, Akio Okamura, senior representative, JICA take a picture with the 12th batch of JDS fellows COURTESY

House rent signboards engulf most trees in the capital, destroying the natural beauty and the surroundings. The photo was taken in Banani yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

JS body wants realistic wage board for ready made garment workers n Kamran Reza Chowdhury A parliamentary panel on labour and employment ministry on Sunday suggested the government should not come up with a wage structure as it might result in violent street protest by garment workers ahead of the national polls.

The Awami League government in June formed a wage board for readymade garment (RMG) workers who clashed with law enforcers over pay hike in different industrial areas.

In 2010 the government raised the minimum wages to over Tk3, 000 from the previous Tk1, 650 a month.

The parliamentary standing committee suggested the ministry create 200 more posts of factory inspectors for better supervisions of the working

conditions in all industrial units to stop human tragedies on the scale of the Rana Plaza disaster.

“We have advised the ministry to come up with a realistic wage board award as soon as possible, but it must not be unacceptable,” Shahiduzzaman Sarker, a committee member, told Dhaka Tribune after the meeting at the parliament building.

“If the RMG workers pour on to the street in protest, it will be very difficult for us to handle it ahead of the elections,” he said.

Awami League lawmaker Israfil Alam presided over the meeting attended by Rawshan Jahan Sathi and Noni Gopal Mondol.

The committee discussed the factory monitoring activities of the office

of the labour directorate. The watchdog said the incidents like Rana Plaza collapse would not have happened had there been adequate number of factory inspectors.

The committee suggested the ministry create 200 more posts of factory inspectors for better monitoring of the safety standards in all industrial units including the RMG sector.

In 2011, the parliamentary sub-committee submitted a report to the labour and employment ministry to upgrade the office of the factory inspectors from department to a directorate headed by a director general and several directors.

“But the ministry had not implemented the decision,” said Shahiduzzaman terming the ministry’s action apathetic. l

15 public officials get Japanese scholarship n Tribune Report

Police find Ansar-VDP vital in fighting extremism

A total of 15 young Bangladeshi government officials were selected for Japan Development Scholarship for two-year Master’s degrees in various fields.

Japanese embassy in Dhaka organised a send-off ceremony for the JDS fellows at the Japanese ambassador’s residence recently, according to a press release.

During the ceremony, indicating the JDS fellows, Ambassador Sadoshima Shiro said: “Please keep in mind that both Bangladeshi and Japanese people expect a great deal from you for the development of your own country through making the best use of knowledge and experience acquired in Japan.”

The formal title of Japan Development Scholarship is “The Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship.”

The scholarship was introduced by the government of Japan in 2001.

Up till now, a total of 213 JDS fellows have been sent to Japan and 181 fellows have returned to Bangladesh. l

The Ansar and the Village Defense Party (VDP) members have aided the law enforcers with intelligence in countering the sudden attacks of the JamaatShibir and some militant groups active at the grassroots, the police told a parliamentary watchdog yesterday.

n Kamran Reza Chowdhury

The watchdog suggested increasing the number of Ansar-VDP for strengthening vigil on the remotest areas In a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on home ministry, the watchdog suggested increasing the number of Ansar and VDP (Village Defense Party) across the country to complement police in tracking the clandestine activities of the militant groups at grass-root level.

Police told the watchdog that around six million Ansar-VDP members deployed at the remotest areas have been a great aid to them. It appreciated the active support of Ansar-VDP in countering militant groups, especially the sudden attacks of Jamaat-Shibir.

The watchdog suggested increasing the number of Ansar-VDP for strengthening vigil on the remotest areas as police is not always in a position to track criminals in those areas.

Jatiya Party MP and committee member Mujibul Haque told reporters that his committee had recommended introducing four new battalions of Ansar-VDP so they could enhance the intelligence activities of the police and other law enforcing agencies.

He said: “The police have limited number of personnel; so they cannot track the militants at the grassroots.

But the Ansar-VDP members are deployed even at the remotest areas.”

“They should have more roles to play in providing information on criminal activities to the law enforcers,” he added.

Sayedul Haque, the committee chair presided over the meeting.

He said: “We praise your [AnsarVDP members] sincerity and sacrifice in fighting against militancy and violence. But you have to be more careful in dealing with the increasing volume of militancy and extremism.”

He said police could do everything if they were sincere enough. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Education

5

Monday, August 26, 2013

n Sajeed Alam The Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championships, commonly regarded as Australs, is an annual international debate tournament that hosts universities from all over Asia, Australia and New Zealand. It is highly regarded as one of the most competitive university debate championships in the world.

The format of the tournament requires three speakers in a team and generally consists of eight preliminary rounds, majority wins and high speaker points qualifying into the knockouts.

This time, the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UT MARA) of Malaysia hosted Australs and a total of 124 teams from the Australasian region participated.

IBA, DU sent three teams and two adjudicators this time, comprising Gaows Mohammad, Wasifa Noshin and Saad Ashraf forming IBA DU 1, Lamia Aroni, Shaadmaan Ahmed Siddiqui and Sajeed Alam forming IBA DU 2, and Ashiq Alam, Mastura Tasnim and Taosif Amin Khan forming IBA DU 3.

The adjudicators included Hisham Uddin Khan and Ayesha Sabrina.

This was the first international tournament most of us were participating in; given the scope and competitiveness of Australs, it was a lot to look forward to and build experience from.

The tournament started off on the July 14, 2013. The preliminary rounds occurred over a span of three days and the wide range of motions encompassed education subsidies, salary caps on football players at the EPL, to issues such as corporal punishment, democracy in China and women’s rights.

We faced teams from all over the Australasian region, namely Monash, University of Malaya, University of Queensland, University of Melbourne and after seven rounds, ended up with three wins. The other IBA, DU teams were tied at three wins as well.

We waited eagerly for the list of the qualifying teams. At this point it was hard to muster my emotions as I felt we hadn’t made it through while at the same time I was hoping that my team’s name would be announced among those that qualified. It felt surreal when two teams from IBA, IBA DU 1, and my team, IBA DU 2, were among

the top eight teams that qualified into the knockouts for the ESL (English-assecond-language) criterion. This was a record for Bangladesh debate, being the highest number of teams from the country to qualify into the knockouts at Australs.

At the end of all the preliminary rounds, both of the IBA teams that qualified had four wins. IBA DU 1 was ranked 7th while we were ranked 8th but the worst was yet to come. For the upcoming semi-finals we were about to face the top ranked ESL team, the University of Indonesia, while IBA DU 1 were up against the esteemed IIUM. The ESL Quarter Finals were held at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) at Kualalumpur. The motion for the Quarter Finals that we debated on was about legally enforcing minimum living standards in developing countries. Our team was opposing and after a closely contested debate, we were once again stepping into another milestone. IBA DU 2 had qualified into the ESL Semi Finals of the UT

MARA Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championship 2013!

My first ever tournament representing IBA and first ever international debate tournament could not have had a more dreamlike start. And with the presence of my brilliant teammates, Shaadmaan and Lamia, I could not have asked for more.

The ESL Semi Finals were held at the Auditorium of the Pacific Regency Hotel Suites. We were up against the University of Hong Kong and had to argue against the motion that Palestinians should not accept citizenship from Arab nations. After a heated debate encapsulating international diplomacy, cultural integration, moral imperative and human rights, it was an extremely contested situation.

Unfortunately, our progress throughout the tournament had to end. We lost the debate. Out of the seven judges who judged our semi-finals, four of them gave the winning ballot to Hong Kong while three of them gave it to us. The University of Hong Kong

went on to the ESL Grand Finals but the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) ultimately won it.

Looking back, I can only think about the positives that came out of it. Win or lose, qualify or not, it all depends on the steep learning curve I got to embark upon and also on the memories and the people who have been a part of it. It also makes me proud to be a part of IBA Debate and the Bangladesh debating fraternity.

We have emerged as a contingent not to be taken lightly. IBA boasts the inaugural OIC Intervarsity Debate Championship trophy, Oxford IV Semi Finalists and now Australs ESL Semi Finalists, placing IBA Debate as an increasingly successful and competitive debating society both at home and abroad. In all optimism, that day is not impossible for our debaters to see again given our growth in such a short time and what we have to offer. l The writer is a sophomore at IBA, and a member of Australs semifinalists IBA DU 2.

BIG STOCK

IBA, DU setting benchmarks for Bangladeshi debate Winning against exam phobia n Sabrina Syed “I like to study and I like the subjects and my class performance is also very good but I don’t like to take part in the examination. Why is it necessary?” In our student life it was common to not want to face an examination and it still is.

Most of us have a fear of exams. This fear is a common picture among students and the feelings increase when students start studying. In extreme cases this phenomenon becomes exam phobia. The symptoms of exam phobia can be easily observed and addressed.

It is an irrational and powerful fear and aversion to exams. To know whether exam phobia is a barrier to good grades, you need to recognise the symptoms. Simple fear of exams is commonplace and is not exam phobia. These are some clear symptoms of exam phobia.  Feeling over stressed with studies and worried about examinations/ results.  Having nightmares.  Feelings of anger and inability to concentrate on studies.  Loss of appetite.  Increase in heart rate.  Dry throat.  Breathing difficulty.  Sweating, trembling and cold limbs.  Suffering from abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.  Becoming a victim of frequent urination.  Oversleeping.  Avoiding schools.  Becoming addicted to television or games.

But what are the root causes of exam phobia? Prevention is always bet-

The three participating IBA teams

Things admissions officers wish you knew about applying n Samira Mostafa When students are applying to colleges and universities, there are a number of gaffes that get in the way of their instituGOLDEN tion of choice. One RULE needs to evaluate their steps before taking the plunge.

The following is a list of some pointers that may help you take the right steps.

Start early: That means before completing high school. The sooner you complete your application the sooner you will receive a decision and your scholarship. This provides you time to investigate and weigh all of your options.

Q: I have failed O’level Math twice, for which I find no justification. Everyone says math is so important; I don’t know how ASK to move forward, where MS POP to apply and what to do.

Ms. Pop: I am sorry to hear your misfortune. Try not to beat yourself up. Math is not your thing to begin with. You failed to mention how you did in your other subjects, but I’m sure you have options. For your A’levels, go ahead and do subjects you are strong at. Often times, certain programmes look beyond your math score if you have any other strong suit.

Q: I am keen to study in the US and my biggest hobby is classical dancing. My studies do not include any art forms. I study science but dancing is my passion. Will I be able to continue this in the US? Ms. Pop: You’ve chosen a diverse country.

You may major in science but you can definitely also take other dance classes and enhance your skills. If you think your credits do not cover that option, there are community institutions that offer dance classes which you may take for a certain price. Get in touch with the cultural community over there, and you can find various functions and other cultural options. l

Students, teachers and parents are encouraged to send in their queries or share their problems at education@dhakatribune.com

Contact universities of interest and research the steps of the application process. Pre-planning can eliminate a lengthy trial and error method.

College ‘fit’ goes both ways: Students need to understand the need for being the “right-fit” for a suitable college. You need to exhibit the potential to be highly successful and benefit most from the uniqueness of the applied institution.

Instead of making the case that you’re great, make the case that you’re a great match with the university in question.

Do your research: A student needs to do diligent research about each college; keep your mind open to change.

You may find a match for yourself that

you never imagined. Keep in mind your field of interest and future career prospects.

Students should understand clearly the field that they’re going into, and the path they have to follow to be successful. Students need to understand that not all colleges offer the same majors or degrees, and that not all universities have law, dental, and medical schools.

Who you really are: Make your admission essay unique and true to you.

Being authentic is what an admission officer is looking for, not your fabricated imagination of your likings but your real interests and passions.

Mind the deadline: You need to understand all the different deadlines for

each college and work accordingly. Applying for scholarships and financial aid takes up more time and may have separate deadlines. So keep all this in mind.

Keep in touch: If interested in a particular college, get on the mailing list.

Contact a current student, alumnus, or admission representative. Stay in touch with the admissions counselors.

They can be a big help navigating a very challenging process.

The personal touch can also help give the student an additional advocate when the time comes for decisions.

Check the e-mail account you listed on your application daily. If your contact information changes, notify immediately.

Parents need not apply: Students should be the ones to keep in touch with admissions counselors, not the parents. When the time comes for an institution to make the decision, it will help them have a better sense of who they are admitting and how well that person will fit in as a student.

Choose wisely: Students are more likely to succeed if they choose a college and major based on passion rather than potential earnings. You are more likely to be fulfilled and follow through with your intended field if money isn’t your primary motivation. If you are undecided regarding your major, then choose an institute that allows you to weigh out various options to choose from when the time comes. l



  

  

Requirements for admission for international students:

Prospective students from abroad should complete the Undergraduate application and apply for admission in the term in which they wish to enroll. International application packets must be mailed with the application

Know Your Words

Unfeigned - [uhnfeynd] adjective Meaning: not feigned; sincere; genuine.

Origin: Middle English Synonyms: Genuine, honest, real, true, natural, unaffected,

unassumed

Enrollment: 5,890 (2011) Acceptance rate: 58% (2010) Mascot: Trojan Colors: Blue, Orange

ing Virginia State University remains among the lowest of all state supported colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The writer is a lecturer at BRAC University.

VOCAB LESSONS

Virginia State University Virginia State University is a historically black land-grant university located north of the Appomattox River in Ettrick, Chesterfield County, near Petersburg, Virginia, founded on March 6, 1882. Virginia State developed as the United States’ first fully state-supported four-year institution of higher learning for black Americans.

The university has a 236-acre (0.96 km2) main campus and a 416-acre (1.68 km2) agricultural research facility. The main campus includes more than 50 buildings, including 16 dormitories and 16 classroom buildings.

Beginning fall 2013 annual (fall and spring semesters combined) undergraduate tuition and fees will be $7,784 for in-state students and $17,192 for out of state students.

This is an increase of $364 and $804 for resident and nonresident students respectively. Charges to live in a residence hall vary, but start at $5,990, and the standard dining plan will be $4,018.

Student bills for the fall term will be issued to registered students by midJuly. Rest assured, the cost of attend-

ter than cure. There are some common reasons behind exam phobia.  Students are scared of exams because they know they are not prepared for them.  They underestimate themselves or their preparation.  Their friends have negative influence; some lack confidence and others are over confident.  They are too scared about their future.

To avoid exam phobia, studying is the only option. A proper study schedule can help students to complete their syllabus in time. Confidence is another important factor. If students can finish their syllabus before exams, confidence will increase.

There also needs to be proper sleep, food and break intervals from study for good preparation. Eat healthy and balanced meals and no matter the temptation do not go for energy drinks (they make you hyperactive, not focused), oily foods, caffeine etc. Check all the accessories you need for your examination.

Start for your exams a bit earlier and after entering the exam hall take a long breath. It will help you to control your nerves. Don’t talk with your friends about your preparation too much before the exams and also no need to share about your answer paper after the examination. Always try to think about your present, not the future. If you can start all these practices, you will able to reduce your exam phobia.

Nothing is impossible and exams are far from it. It becomes impossible or problematic when we fail to identify the root of our problems. Before falling prey to this phobia, try to find the root of your problems. A solution is always there. l

fee in US dollars. Currently, the on-line application process is not available to international students. We expect to make this service available during the school year.

Review the requirements for admission/attendance checklist below. Follow all directions and ensure that your packet contains all of the documents listed. Incomplete packets will not be reviewed.  A completed application  Official or certified copies of all

 

academic records (in native language) to include examinations from the examinations councils (copies will not be accepted).

Translated academic records/ transcripts, originals only, copies not accepted (We recommend World Education Services) SAT or ACT scores Official TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers.

Two letters of recommendation (one must be from your guidance counselor) (freshmen only).

Personal statement or essay on your future aspirations US$25.00 non-refundable application fee Financial documents (includes certified Affidavit of Support, bank statement not more than 6 months old) Proof of immunisation Student information form

When all university requirements and all International Student Advisement Office requirements have been met, an acceptance letter, and a Form I-20 will be mailed to you. If you already have a visa or permanent residency card, submit these with your application packet. l

Troth - [trawth, trohth] noun Meaning: faithfulness, fidelity, or loyalty.

Origin: Middle English Synonyms: Betrothal, engagement, pledge, fidelity, promise Tawdry - [taw-dree] adjective Meaning: gaudy; showy and cheap.

Origin: Old English Synonyms: Cheap, tasteless, vulgar, loud, blatant Syllogism - [sil-uh-jiz-uhm] noun Meaning: Logic; an argument the conclusion of which is supported by two premises, deductive reasoning.

Origin: Latin, Old French Synonyms: Argument, dialect, deduction,reasoning Sodden - [sod-n] adjective Meaning: soaked with liquid or moisture; saturated.

Origin: Middle English Synonyms: Soaked, drenched, wet, waterlogged Respite - [res-pit] noun Meaning: a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief.

Origin: Middle English Synonyms: Breather, downtime, hiatus, forgiveness, interruption, layoff, recess

6

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Nation

Monday, August 26, 2013

Five pirates killed after gunfight with police in Bhola

Rods stolen from Lalmonirhat Shaheed Minar n Our Correspondent, Lalmonirhat Four iron rods from the boundary wall of Lalmonirhat Central Shaheed Minar have been stolen over past five days.

The monument is situated just 500 metres from the district police station on Thana road.

Locals fear that rest of the 24 rods may also be stolen.

The concerned municipality has not yet lodged any case with the Sadar police station.

Locals alleged that a number of drug addicts, mostly youths, gather at the Shaheed Minar premisise at night. It has been the case for last three years.

The youths openly use drugs- including phensedyl, heroin, and yabawithout facing any intervention from the law enforcement authorities, they said.

The locals claimed that the addicts had stolen the rods to sell for drug money.

Lalmonirhat municipality mayor Reazul Islam Rintu, who is currently residing in Dhaka for official work, said he had heard the news.

He would lodge a case with the district police station as soon as possible upon returning, he said.

Lalmonirhat Sadar police staion Officer-in-Charge Jamir Uddin confirmed that the addicts had stolen the rods.

He said police would take prompt action upon getting a written petition from concerned authority. l

Police were yet to arrest any of the pirates or recover any dead body believed to belong to the notorious n Anisur Rahman Swapan, Barisal are gang Kalam Bahini and they opened At least five pirates were critically injured and may have succumbed to their injuries, during a marathon six-hour gunfight with the police in the Manpura upazila of Bhola early Sunday.

The incident occurred at the Burir Don area near the Meghna estuary in Manpura.

The pirates are believed to belong to Kalam Bahini and they opened fire on a police team around 3am

Activists of two factions of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal yesterday clashed during a representatives’ meeting in Barisal city DHAKA TRIBUNE

Md Maniruzzaman Monir, the district superintendent of police, citing eyewitness accounts, said the pirates were seen dragging away five of their fellow gang members, when they fled the scene. It could not be confirmed whether any of the pirates had died.

There was no police casualty.

According to sources, the pirates

Non-Bangalee’s Bangalees and indigenous people contribution to Liberation shake hands on peace prospects n War goes unnoticed Tribune Report

n Our Correspondent, Lalmonirhat Though he was a Urdu speaker and physically impaired, Jahir Ahmed Khan at Jummapara in the district town gave his heart to Bangladesh’s Liberation War with his all-out efforts, but had so far been counted out.

A considerate and sympathetic personality, Jahir, has been living a life of destitution for long.

Despite the fact that some foreigners’ contributions to the country’s Liberation War was taken into account, Jahir’s endeavor went unnoticed.

He lost all his assets during the Liberation War as the Urdu-speaking “Bihari” people burnt his house for helping freedom-loving Bangalees.

Jahir was declared “Kawmik Gaddhar” – enemy of Pakistani lineage – by the other Urdu-speaking people in Lalmonirhat town.

He was also subjected to excruciating torture by a group of Urdu-speakers.

“I didn’t carry out their order bowing down under their pressure, rather I

started helping Bangalees and freedom fighters,” he said.

Like many other people, he went to India on 16 April in 1971 for receiving training but was denied as his left leg was impaired. Frustrated, Jahir returned to Bangladesh but didn’t go home because of death threat by Bihari people.

He straightaway went to his maternal uncle Rosul Mahmud’s house at Khotkhotiya village of Rangpur district and began to help the freedom fighters.

He worked as a reliable source who obtained information from the Pakistanis and passed them to freedom fighters.

“My elder brother Farid Ahmed Khan and I jointly canvassed for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s meeting twice before the liberation war though Urdu-speaking people stood in the way,” he said.

Jahir Ahmed Khan’s father and his grandfather came to Lalmonirhat from Asansol in India during the British reign.

Jodhdha Sangsad Commander Abu Bakkar Siddique said Jahir name will be on the list of freedom fighters soon. l

A reconciliation meeting between the Indigenous people and the Bangalee settlers was held on Saturday, after 21 days of the Taindong attack in Khagrachhari.

The Jamini Para BGB zone organised the meeting at the Taindong Senior Aleem Madrasa in Matiranga, around 11am, with the objective to find a middle ground for the two warring groups.

Prior to the meeting, two preparatory sessions were held for the two

sides separately, according to a report by banglanews24.com.

Around 9am, representatives of the Indigenous people met for an hourlong session to discuss their issues related to the August 3 attack and afterwards, around 10am, representatives of the Bangalees met to discuss theirs.

The joint-meeting was held in presence of Acting Commander of Jamini Para BGB zone Major Sihab Uddin, Assistant Police Superintendent of Ramghor Circle Md Shahjahan, Matiranga Upazila Chairman Md Shamsul Alam, Taindong Union Parishad

n Our Correspondent, Narsingdi

Ghorashal urea factory is going to resume the fertiliser production within a day or two, nearly five months after remaining closed.

Titas Gas authority has started suppluying gas to the factory from August 24, sources said.

On the other hand Polash urea fac-

tory has already gone into production on August 22.

The two fertiliser factories were kept shut in line with two other factories following the government decision to stop gas supply there from April 1.

The government took the decision only to generate more power during the summer season to meet the de-

n UNB

Locals put up barricade on Dinajpur-Gobindaganj Highway protesting death of a rickshaw-puller yesterday

FOCUSBANGLA

Bangladesh Coast Guard detained 39 people, including two Rohingyas and 37 Bangladeshis, from the outfall of the Bakkhali River in Cox’s Bazaar on Thursday, while they were trying to travel to Malaysia illegally.

Acting on a tip-off, a coast guard team from Chittagong east zone station conducted a drive in the river around 11pm and seized three boats, carrying the illegal travellers. Among those arrested was a middleman, providing help to people to try to get to Malaysia unlawfully. He was identified as Jalal Ahmed, 30.

The arrested Rohingyas were identified as Shah Alam, 30, and Abdul Hakim, 35.

The arrestees were handed over to Cox’s Bazar Police Station. l

People getting hassle-free justice from village courts The rural people have started getting justice from the village courts in a hassle-free manner at their doorsteps without knocking doors of the law enforcers of courts, speakers told a workshop on Saturday.

Gangachara upazila administration organised the daylong participatory workshop at its auditorium on “Enhancing Awareness of Stakeholders for Activating Village Courts” in association with Eco Social Development Organisation (ESDO).

The workshop was arranged un-

der the “Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project” of the Local Government Division of the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry with the assistance of European Union and UNDP. With Gangachara UNO Abu Jafar in the chair, union parishad chairmen, members and secretaries, NGO executives, male and female village court beneficiaries, professionals, religious leaders, women community leaders and elite participated in the workshop, reports BSS. Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of ESDO Shahjahan Alam, it’s Upazila Supervisor Ibne Sayeed, Administrative

Four held for distributing Jihadi books

n UNB Police arrested five people, including four women, from Lalmonirhat district town on Saturday, seizing a large number of books on Jihad from their possession.

The arrestees were identified as Shariful Islam, Archina Begum, Boby Khatun, Lucky Begum and Shahnaj Parveen.

Police said the five were arrested while distributing banned books and leaflets at different parts of the town. l

Ghorashal urea factory to resume production soon

39 held in Cox’s Bazar while trying to go abroad illegally

n Tribune Desk

Chairman Tajul Islam and local dignitaries.

The two sides agreed to work towards improving mutual relations between Bangalees and the indigenous community, and addressing the causes of distrust and discontent.

They embraced each other after the meeting and had lunch together.

On August 3, Bangalee settlers burned and ransacked 34 houses and two temples of the indigenous people in Taindong. Thousands of indigenous villagers took shelter in the border of neighbouring India. l

fire on a police patrol team around 3am.

Police retaliated by firing back, triggering a six-hour-long fight. Policemen from Lalmohan, Tajumuddin and Monpura police stations joined in the fray.

Police reportedly fired 52 rounds of gunshots during the fight while the pirates fired more than 200 shots.

Later, the pirates retreated and took shelter in a forest in the remote Dhal Char.

Police were yet to arrest any of the pirates or recover any dead body when this report was filed in the afternoon, but they said they would launch a raid soon.

The pirates managed to get away police forces were “less prepared” in terms of manpower and firepower compared with the pirates, Maniruzzaman said.

A trawler used by the pirates and some sharp weapons were recovered from the spot. l

Assistant Sourav Kumar, social worker Yunus Ali, teachers Mokbul Hossain and Ferdous Rahman and women leader Laizu Begum, addressed.

A number of beneficiary women and men from different villages narrated the benefits, they received from the village courts and elaborated their experience and understanding of the concept and the legal processes associated to village courts.

The speakers said the rural people are getting justice from the village courts without knocking the doors of the courts and the process has been creating congenial atmosphere among

villagers to resolve minor disputes, problems and conflicts amicably.

They stressed for further strengthening and reactivating the village courts involving the elected public representatives to assist the poor and distressed people in getting justice in a hassle-free manner without knocking doors of the law-enforcers and courts.

In his speech, the UNO termed concept of village court as an epoch-making initiative and stressed for providing more supports, including training, to the public representatives in achieving the desired success and creating trust of mass people in the process. l

mand for electricity.

Official sources said Petrobangla supplied 48 mmcfd Gas to power generation.

This year the power shortage will be less than that of the previous year.

The government has taken a number of precautionary measures to ensure additional power supply for irrigation

during the Boro season this year.

The government also decided to import 1.5 million tonnes of fertiliser and meet the farmers’ demand.

Ghorashal fertiliser factory produces 1200 tonnes of urea every day while Polash 280.

Officials of Ghorashal urea factory said the fertiliser industry incurred a loss of about Tk 25m every day. l

NEWS IN BRIEF Jamaat leader dies in Sylhet road accident

Ex-UP member shot dead in Rajbari

A local leader of Jamaat-e-Islami was killed and three other people injured in a road accident in Moulvibazar district on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway, on Sunday. Deceased AB Kabir Ahmed, 35, was the secretary of Moulvibazar unit of Jamaat. Police said a passenger bus rammed a CNG-run autorickshaw carrying four passengers around 9am, leaving all four with minor to major injuries. Critically injured Kabir died en route to the Moulvibazar hospital.

– UNB

A former Union Parishad member was shot dead by unknown assailants at the Kolimohor union in the district’s Pangsha upazila on Saturday night. The deceased was identified as Akkas Mollah, 48.

Sub-inspector Kamal Hossain of Pangsha police station said Akkas was returning home from a local marketplace in a motorbike, around 10pm, when a group of unknown assailants opened fire on him.

He died on the spot. Police suspects he might have been killed by members of an outlawed party. Akkas’ body was sent to hospital for post-mortem examination.

– UNB

College student commits ‘suicide’ in Jessore A college student allegedly committed suicide by taking pesticides at the Kismat Nayapara village in Jessore sadar upazila. Deceased Rakibul Islam, 17, was a student of HSC first year at the Dr Abdur Razzaque College. Police said Rakibul took pesticides following “a major depressive disorder” on Saturday evening.

He died at a Jessore hospital when family members took him there for treatment.

– UNB

Woman found dead in Madaripur Police on Sunday recovered the body of an unidentified woman from a paddy field in the Rajoir upazila of Madaripur.

Locals found the body in the morning and informed the police. Police suspects the woman might have been strangled to death in the previous night. Her body was sent to the Sadar hospital morgue for post-mortem examination. – UNB

Motorcyclist killed in Jhenaidah road accident A motorcyclist was killed and his companion sustained injuries near Khalishpur Kalarhat, Moheshpur upazila, Jhinaidah yesterday in a road accident. The deceased was Rabiul Islam, 30, of Sukhpuria, Chowgachha upazila, Jhenaidah while the injured was Rabiul Haque, from Chutarhuda of the same upazila. Officer-in-Charge of Moheshpur police station Akram Hossain said the accident occurred around 10am in the morning when the motorbike collided head-on with three wheeler. The riders skidded off the bike. Islam died on the spot.

Injured Haque was rushed to Moheshpur Upazila Health Complex in a critical state. The body was sent to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital morgue for post mortem examination.

–Our Correspondent

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Metro

7

Monday, August 26, 2013

Dholaikhal – a thin ropewalk for commuters, pedestrians n Abu Hayat Mahmud A walk past the streets and roads in the capital’s Dholaikhal area might make one wonder what could possibly be the authorities concerned doing.

Breaching of all kinds of citizen regulations and the utter negligence of the authorities in the area in downtown Dhaka have featured time and time again in the media.

But the authorities concerned – the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) to be specific – have hardly ever paid any attention.

The erstwhile Dhaka City Corporation, which was in charge of looking after the city before being split into two for providing better services, was hardly ever reported to have shown much action to remedy the illegal practices.

Over the years, a soft iron industry has developed in the Hazi Abdul Mozid Lane and the Hrishikesh Das Lane in Dholaikhal. Many of the soft iron workshops, which do not have adequate spaces inside, have picked up the pavements and the adjacent road to work on the big iron sheets.

Vehicle workshops and gas cylinder traders are also playing their roles in converting the walkways and the roads into their own yards.

Since Dholaikhal is an industrial area, hundreds of trucks and pickups come in and go out of it every day. Neither is there any parking space in the area, nor are they allowed to ply the city roads after 8am and before 8pm.

As a result, the drivers of these trucks and pickups have no options but to park their vehicles on the roadsides for the day.

During a recent visit to the area,

12 workers injured in CEPZ clash n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong At least 12 workers were injured in a clash between two groups of workers of a shoe factory in Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) on Saturday night.

Abul Mansur, officer-in-charge of CEPZ police station, said around hundreds of workers of Bon Shoes Factory dividing into two groups locked into an argument in the factory around 10pm over some internal issues.

Following the argument, both the groups- after work- locked into a clash in front of Jhanak Plaza in CEPZ area, leaving at least 12 workers injured, he added. The injured workers were admitted into Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority yesterday formed an investigation committee to look into Saturday night’s incident. l

Slain BGB members’ family receive financial assistance from prime minister n BSS, Dhaka

Families of two slain members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), died in the recent attacks of Jamaat-Shibir activists, received financial assistance from the prime minister yesterday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina handed over the saving certificates of Tk1m to each of the families at her Tejgaon office, PM’s press secretary Abul Kalam Azad said.

Abdus Sobhan, father of slain BGB Sepoy Lablu Hossain and Nasrin Akter Aleya, wife of slain JCO Nayeb Subadar Shah Alam received the saving certificates.

At that time the prime minister conveyed her sympathy to them saying she thought about providing the financial assistance to lessen their economic sufferings. She hoped that the financial support would be useful for them to live on.

The BGB members were killed by Jamaat-Shibir activists during agitation against the verdict of the International Crime Tribunal convicting their party leaders for committing crime against humanity during the War of Liberation in 1971.

Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir and PM’s advisor HT Imam were present. l

this correspondent has found that the authority is not far behind in robbing the commuters of their right to traverse a free road. A waste disposal container of DSCC could be found lying in the middle of a footpath and also occupying a part of the adjacent road.

Dholaikhal residents have alleged that local businessmen have been carrying on with their businesses by encroaching upon the walkways and the roads for years. The authorities never tell them anything because most of them have strong political backings.

Hamidul, a resident of Dholaikhal, said: “Due to these illegal practices by the irresponsible traders, pedestrians and vehicles cannot move freely, leading to never-ending traffic congestion in the area.”

When asked, the soft iron traders declined to say anything about encroaching the footpaths and the road.

DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Ansar Ali Khan told the Dhaka Tribune: “We often conduct drives to evict illegal structures in city area. But after the raids are completed, grabbers return and occupy the footpath and road again.”

Ansar Ali added that local people should also protest against the grabbers’ illegal practices.

Captain SM Javed Iqbal, chief waste management officer of DSCC, said he did not know that a waste disposal container was lying open in the middle of the road in Dholaikhal.

“May be the cleaners put the container in the middle of the road. We will immediately take steps to remove the container, if we still find it in the area that you have mentioned,” he said. l

Very little space is left for pedestrians in the capital’s Dholaikhal as workshops and business as fully gobble up the footpaths

Chittagong rice shops owners, workers blockade road protesting extortion n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong The rice shops owners and workers of Chittagong city’s Pahartoli yesterday shut down their shops and blocked roads for an hour, protesting extortion by one Mahbubur Rahman Iqbal.

The agitated shop owners, however, withdrew their blockade after police arrested Towhidur Rahman, brother of Iqbal.

Azizur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Pahartoli police station, told Dhaka Tribune that Mahbubur Rahman Iqbal alias “Dail” Iqbal demanded extortion from a rice shop owner on Saturday night.

As the shop owner declined to give

money, Iqbal confined one of his workers when he was unloading the sacks of rice from a truck on Sunday morning, the OC said.

Hearing the news, several hundreds of rice shop owners and workers closed their shop from 9:30am to 10:30am and blocked the roads of Pahartoli, protesting the incident and demanding immediate arrest of Iqbal.

On receiving information, police rushed to the spot and arrested Towhidur in this connection, added the OC. Meanwhile, Iqbal released the worker while police was conducting drives to nab him, the OC added.

A case was lodged with Double Mooring police station in this regard. l

CU admission test begins November 16 n FM Mizanur Rahaman, Chittagong Undergraduate admission test of Chittagong University (CU) for the 2013-2014 academic session will start from November 16.

The decision came from a meeting of CU admission committee yesterday. The prospective students, like previous years, can apply through short message service (SMS) using a Tele-talk number starting from September 12 until October 31.

Committee sources said due to the HSC result collapse this year, CU has taken the decision to decrease the total result point so that students could appear in the intake exam. AM Akbar, deputy registrar and also secretary of admission test committee said this year, a total of 100 seats had been increased under different departments. More details could be found at www.cu.ac.bd l

RMG workers clash with police n Tribune Report

A female garment worker received bullet injury when a clash broke out between police and garments workers in the capital yesterday.

Police said hundreds of workers of four garments factories blocked highway on Kuril Bishwa Road demanding a raise and other benefits, which disrupted traffic movement for two hours.

Witnesses said, the long tailback spread to Kuril Biswaroad, Banani and Airport area due to the road block, while many passengers, including office and school goers, started walk-

ing to their destinations. The garment workers engaged in scuffle with police as the law enforcers tried to move the worker and to remove the blockade from the highway, added witnesses.

Later, a chase and counter chase took place, and at one stage of the clash police opened fire at workers where Khadiza, 27, a worker of Nasa Garment received rubber bullets in her left hand.

Workers of Mohammadia, Platik, ATN and Nasa garment factories blocked the highway around 9am and police took the situation under control around 11am. But it took more than three hours to get the traffic movement

normal in the area.

Iqbal Hossain, officer-in-charge of Khilkhet police station, said the office going people had to face severe traffic congestion in the morning as vehicular movement from Kuril Bishwa Road to Airport remained suspended for two hours during the blockade.

Khandoker Lutful Kabir, deputy commissioner of Gulshan Division, said they tried to remove the agitated workers by negotiation but they had to throw tear shells and fire rubber bullets to oust them as the workers were not paying attention to the negotiation dialogue. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Five held for operating fake mobile court n Kailash Sarkar

Rab 3 arrested five people for allegedly operating a fake mobile court in guise of law enforcers in the capital’s Khilgaon Saturday night.

The arrestees are alleged fake magistrate Md Wahiduzzaman, 30, two fake sub-inspectors Mashudul Hasan, 31, and Nazrul Islam, a fake journalist Saiful Islam and driver Bulbul Ahmed, 21.

Rab members presented the arrestees before the journalists at a press conference held at their office in the city yesterday.

During the press briefing Major Imarat Hossain, second-in-command of Rab-3, said acting on a tip-off, the Rab personnel arrested the five people while they were extorting Tk50,000 as fine from water purifying factory

named ‘Turag’ in Khilgaon identifying themselves as law enforcers.

The Rab members also seized Tk7,000, a SUV, a motorbike and a video camera from their possession.

“When the fake mobile court had been realising Tk50,000 from Md Mominul Islam, owner of the factory. He then suspected the team to be fake after observing their behavior and challenged the team.”

“At one stage, the factory owner informed the Rab-3 officials, who rushed to the spot and arrested the five persons from there”, said Major Imarat.

He told Dhaka Tribune that those five had been cheating the owners and staffs of different restaurants, water purifying factories, bakeries and others shops for last few days in guise of mobile court. l

Committee formed to probe attack on SUST BCL activist n Tribune Report The authorities of Shahjalal Science and Technology University have formed a three-member probe committee to investigate into the recent attack on a Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activist on the university campus.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the university’s proctorial body, with SUST Vice-Chancellor Aminul Haque Bhuiyan in the chair, according to banglanews24.com.

Meeting sources said the probe committee would be headed by Dr Mostabur Rahman, adding that the meeting also discussed the deteriorating law and order situation on the campus and adopted seven decisions to improve the condition.

The decisions include construction of

boundary wall, providing sufficient light on the campus, provision for assistant proctors to stay at campus and assistant provosts at dormitories from 7pm-10pm, restricted access of outsiders, increase of police presence around risky locations and provision to present ID card to gain access into the university after evening.

Earlier on Friday night, Ruhul Amin, 23, a master’s student of English department, was indiscriminately stabbed by several masked men on the campus. The masked men then fled the area, leaving Ruhul on the spot.

Meanwhile, police filed a case with Jalalabad police station in connection with the attack on BCL activist Ruhul Amin. Officer-in-Charge of Jalalabad police station Gousul Hossain said nine arrested Islami Chhatra Shibir activists were made accused in the case. l

Youth dies after being pushed off the roof n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

Hundreds of workers of four garments factories yesterday blocked Kuril Bishwa Road, demanding a hike in salaries and other benefits, which disrupted traffic movement for two hours DHAKA TRIBUNE

A youth died after he was pushed off the rooftop of a six-storey building, allegedly by four young women in the port city’s Kalshir Dighir Par area on Saturday night, after an altercation between the youth and the women.

The deceased is identified as Kamal Hossain, 22, resident of Kalshir Dighir Par area under Export Processing Zone (EPZ) police station in the port city.

Police nabbed the women -- Sharmin,

20, Taslima, 20, Zobaida Sultana, 19, and Sadia, 18, – from the building following the incident, the police said.

Quoting those arrested, Abul Mansur, officer-in-charge of the EPZ police station, said the four women pushed Kamal around 10pm, leaving him critically injured.

Later, locals rushed him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital where he was pronounced dead by the on-duty doctor.

A case was lodged with EPZ police station in this regard. l

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

Monday, August 26, 2013

Americans against US intervention in Syria: Reuters/Ipsos poll More Americans would back intervention if it is established that chemical weapons have been used, but even that support has dipped in recent days

n Reuters, Washington Americans strongly oppose US intervention in Syria’s civil war and believe Washington should stay out of the conflict even if reports that Syria’s government used deadly chemicals to attack civilians are confirmed, a Reuters/Ipsos poll says.

About 60% of Americans surveyed said the United States should not intervene in Syria’s civil war, while just 9% thought President Barack Obama should act.

More Americans would back intervention if it is established that chemical weapons have been used, but even that support has dipped in recent days – just as Syria’s civil war has escalated and the images of hundreds of civilians allegedly killed by chemicals appeared on television screens and the Internet.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll, taken August 19-23, found that 25% of Americans would support US intervention if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces used chemicals to attack civilians, while 46% would oppose it. That represented a decline in backing for US action since August 13, when Reuters/ Ipsos tracking polls found that 30.2% of Americans supported intervention in Syria if chemicals had been used, while 41.6% did not.

Taken together, the polls suggest that so far, the growing crisis in Syria, and the emotionally wrenching pic-

WORLD WATCH One million cockroaches flee China farm

A Syrian man mourns over a dead body after an alleged poisonous gas attack fired by regime forces, according to activists, in Douma town, Damascus AP tures from an alleged chemical attack in a Damascus suburb this week, may actually be hardening many Americans’ resolve not to get involved in another conflict in the Middle East.

The results – and Reuters/Ipsos polling on the use-of-chemicals question since early June – suggest that if Obama decides to undertake military action against Assad’s regime, he will do so in the face of steady opposition from an American public wary after more than a decade of war in Iraq and

Afghanistan.

Some foreign and US officials – notably Republican Senator John McCain, whom Obama defeated for the presidency in 2008 – have called Obama too hesitant in deciding whether to act in Syria. But several Americans surveyed in this week’s poll, including Charles Kohls, 68, a former US military officer from Maryland, praised Obama’s caution.

Obama has called the suspected chemical attack near Damascus on

Wednesday “an event of great concern” and directed US intelligence agencies to investigate the allegations of chemical use as he weighs potential responses.

The president met with his national security advisers on Saturday but US officials said he has not decided whether to intervene.

However, Obama does not appear to be feeling much pressure over Syria from the American people.

In this week’s Reuters/Ipsos survey of 1,448 people, just 27% said they supported his decision to send arms to some Syrian rebels; 47% were opposed. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points for each number.

About 11% said Obama should do more to intervene in Syria than sending arms to the rebels, while 89% said he should not help the rebels.

Obama is considering a range of options. The most popular option among Americans: not intervening in Syria at all. That option is backed by 37% of Americans, according to the poll.

Less popular options include air strikes to help the rebels (supported by 12% of Americans); imposing a “no-fly” zone over Syria that would ground Assad’s air force (11%); funding a multi-national invasion of Syria (9A%), and invading Syria with US troops (4%). l

Pakistani volunteers rescue villagers stranded in their homes following heavy flooding in Kala Shah Kako near Lahore AP

Pakistan floods affect 1.5 million: officials n AFP, Islamabad Floods and heavy monsoon rains have now killed 178 people and affected 1.5 million across Pakistan in the last three weeks, disaster management officials said Sunday in updated figures.

“At least 178 people have died and 1,503,492 others affected by recent monsoon rains and floods across Pakistan,” a senior National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) official told AFP. He said that the rains had wounded 855 people, affected 5,615 villages and destroyed 20,312 houses all over the country.

On Wednesday the figures stood at nearly one million people affected and 139 dead.

Nearly 350 relief camps have been

India Hindu hardliners held on fears of violence at holy site n AFP, New Delhi

At least one million cockroaches have escaped a farm in China where they were being bred for use in traditional medicine, a report said. The cockroaches fled the facility in Dafeng, in the eastern province of Jiangsu, after an “unknown perpetrator” destroyed the plastic greenhouse where they were raised, the Modern Express newspaper reported on Friday.

Disease control authorities have sent five investigators to the area to come up with a plan to stamp out the insects. Farm owner Wang Pengsheng invested more than 100,000 yuan ($16,000) in 102kgof periplaneta americana eggs after spending six months developing a business plan, the report said.

Crocodile takes man in Australia

A 24-year-old man was snatched by a crocodile in front of at least 15 onlookers as he swam across a northern Australian river with a friend, police said on Sunday. Northern Territory police said the man was with a group celebrating a birthday at the Mary River Wilderness Retreat, about 110km from Darwin, on Saturday when he decided to plunge into the water. Police conducted a search for the man but were unsuccessful. The search continued on Sunday, Bahnert said, adding that the largest crocodile at the site had been shot and killed as a precaution. Reports suggested the men had ignored warnings not to swim in the river because of the risk of a crocodile attack.

Saudi Arabia: 1 more death from new virus Saudi Arabia says one more man has died from MERS, a new respiratory virus related to SARS, bringing to 40 the number of deadly cases in the kingdom at the centre of the growing outbreak. The Saudi Health Ministry said on Sunday that the 51-year-old man who died in Riyadh had also been suffering from cancer and other chronic diseases. Tests of two new suspected cases involving two Saudi men in the southwestern province of Asir proved positive. The new virus is related to SARS and belongs to a family of viruses that most often causes the common cold.

Bomb in Yemen air force bus kills at least one

A bomb ripped through the side of a bus carrying Yemeni air force personnel to their base in the capital Sanaa on Sunday, killing at least one officer and wounding several others, state media reported. Witnesses told Reuters that as many as six people died when the device, planted on the vehicle, exploded, blowing passengers’ bodies onto the street.

It named the dead man as Sergeant Mohammed al-Shaghdari.

set up to help people, mostly in the central province of Punjab, the southern province of Sindh and the southwestern province of Baluchistan, the official said.

Further heavy monsoon rains are expected in Pakistan next month, but the NDMA is fully prepared, he said.

Pakistan, which has suffered from monsoon floods for the last three years, has been criticised for not doing more to mitigate against the dangers posed by seasonal rains washing away homes and farmland.

Streets in all major cities including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad suffer intermittent flooding due to downpours, damaging roads and homes.

In 2010, the worst floods in the country’s history killed almost 1,800 people and affected 21 million. l

Indian security personnel stand outside a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, east of New Delhi

AP

‘Hijab appeal’ campaign Donald Trump sued for false ‘Trump University’ promises divides Sweden n

AFP, Stockholm

In gender-equality Sweden, a grassroots movement defending women’s right to wear hijab has split the nation, backed by politicians and celebrities while critics say it supports a symbol of female “oppression.”

Hundreds of Swedish women have posted photographs of themselves wearing hijabs on social media sites to show solidarity with a heavily pregnant Muslim woman who says she was attacked outside Stockholm for wearing a veil. Police are searching for witnesses to the incident, which is being treated as a hate crime, and has sparked online protests.

Leftist politicians and celebrities were among those who lent their support to the movement, dubbed “The hijab appeal,” by tweeting pictures of themselves wearing the Islamic headscarf.

By Thursday, more than 2,000 people had posted pictures tagged with the “hijab appeal” hashtag on Instagram, mostly featuring women of different faiths wearing the veil.

A Facebook “event” page set up by the activists garnered 10,000 attendees but had to be removed after the com-

ments section was swamped with racist and sexist remarks.

“The number of hate crimes against Muslim women has increased lately,” said one of the campaign organisers, Foujan Rouzbeh.

However, critics say the campaign trivialises the suffering of women forced or pressured into covering their heads, in Sweden and elsewhere.

“I support protesting against the treatment of the woman who was attacked, absolutely. Holding speeches, demonstrating,” said Sara Mohammad, the head of a charity for victims of honour crimes. “Not by wearing the veil, which is known around the world as an Islamic symbol for oppressing women.”

The Swedish politicians wearing the hijab this week rarely displayed the same support for those fighting for the right not to wear it, sometimes risking their lives in doing so, Mohammad argued. Rouzbeh said critics of the Swedish hijab campaign had taken it out of context.

Muslim women were being used as scapegoats in the face of rising unemployment in Sweden and the rest of Europe, said Rouzbeh, who met the justice minister on Wednesday. l

n AP, Albany, New York

New York’s attorney general sued Donald Trump for $40m Saturday, saying the real estate mogul helped run a phony “Trump University” that promised to make students rich but instead steered them into expensive and mostly useless seminars, and even failed to deliver promised apprenticeships.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says many of the 5,000 students who paid up to $35,000 thought they would at least meet Trump but instead all they got was their picture taken in front of a life-size picture of “The Apprentice” TV star.

“Trump University engaged in deception at every stage of consumers’ advancement through costly programmes and caused real financial harm,” Schneiderman said. “Trump University, with Donald Trump’s knowledge and participation, relied on Trump’s name recognition and celebrity status to take advantage of consumers who believed in the Trump brand.”

The lawsuit says many of the wannabe moguls were unable to land even one real estate deal and were left far worse off than before the lessons, fac-

ing thousands of dollars in debt for the seminar programme once billed as a top quality university with Trump’s “hand-picked” instructors.

Schneiderman is suing the programme, Trump as the university chairman, and the former president of the university in a case to be handled in state Supreme Court in Manhattan. He accuses them of engaging in persistent fraud, illegal and deceptive conduct and violating federal consumer protection law. The $40m he seeks is mostly to pay restitution to consumers.

A Trump attorney had said Schneiderman sought campaign contributions while investigating the case, telling The New York Times it was “tantamount to extortion,” a claim denied

by Schneiderman.

State Education Department officials had told Trump to change the name of his enterprise years ago, saying it lacked a license and didn’t meet the legal definitions of a university. In 2011 it was renamed the Trump Entrepreneur Institute, but it has been dogged since by complaints from consumers and a few isolated civil lawsuits claiming it didn’t fulfill its advertised claims. l

Police arrested dozens of Hindu activists in northern India on Sunday, even as others pledged to march to a disputed holy site with a history of triggering Hindu-Muslim bloodshed.

Thousands of police have mobilised in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh to try to prevent violence and block the start planned for Sunday of a 20-day march to the temple town of Ayodhya.

At least 125 people have been arrested including leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) before the start of the march, said a spokesman for the hardline Hindu group. State authorities have banned the march for fear of violence.

“Some of our senior leaders have been arrested but people are collecting in groups to join the yatra (religious march),” VHP spokesman Prakash Sharma told AFP. Hindus and Muslims both claim a disputed site in Ayodhya. The destruction of a 16th-century mosque there by Hindu zealots in 1992 triggered some of the worst sectarian violence in India since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947. Some 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed.

The march is part of a campaign to build a temple on the ruins of the mosque site. That drive remains an important plank of the main opposition Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which came to national prominence over the Ayodhya issue. l

Mumbai police arrest fifth suspect in gang-rape case n AFP, Mumbai Mumbai police Sunday arrested the fifth and final member of a gang suspected of raping a photographer, a crime that reignited anger about women’s safety in India following a similar attack last year.

A Mumbai police team arrested the suspect in the capital New Delhi over the brutal attack on the woman as she was taking photographs in India’s financial hub with a male colleague, a police official said.

“Our crime branch team arrested the fifth suspect from New Delhi earlier Sunday and he is being brought back to Mumbai,” the official, who did not want to be named, told AFP. The officer declined to give details of the arrest.

The men allegedly trapped and raped the woman, said to be in her early 20s, on Thursday evening in an upmarket district of central Mumbai, where she was on assignment for a magazine, police have said.

A fourth suspect in the latest case, identified by the Press Trust of India as Kasim Bangali, was arrested earlier Sunday in Mumbai, according to the police. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

Myanmar police arrest 12 after fresh religious unrest

UN rights chief in Sri Lanka to probe war crimes n AFP, Colombo

Between 500 and 1,000 Buddhists attacked Muslim houses in Htan Kone village on Saturday, setting some buildings on fire “We have arrested altogether 12 n Reuters, Htan Kone, Myanmar people from the mob and they were Myanmar authorities detained a dozen rioters on Sunday a day after clashes between Buddhists and minority Muslims in the northern region of Sagaing, police said, in the latest widening of sectarian violence in the former military-run state.

Witnesses said between 500 and 1,000 Buddhists, some carrying sticks and swords, attacked Muslim houses in Htan Kone village on Saturday, setting some buildings on fire.

Police and soldiers arrived in the evening and fired into the air to disperse the crowds, they said.

The violence in the rugged region about 665km from the commercial capital, Yangon, shows how far anti-Muslim anger has spread in the Buddhist-dominated country following spasms of unrest in northeastern Lashio in May, central Meikhtila in March and western Rakhine State last year.

transferred to a district station,” police sergeant Win Nyi told Reuters.

Some Muslims fled to neighbouring villages or sheltered in a Muslim school, residents of the area said.

Houses were already burning by the time police and soldiers arrived, said Saya Soe, 32, a Muslim villager.

“The mobs stopped and went away only after midnight when the security forces fired four or five shots into the sky.”

Another Muslim resident, Azit Paing, said the cause of the unrest appears to have been an argument between a young Muslim man and a Buddhist woman. Myanmar’s Buddhist-dominated media reported rumors that she had been raped. Muslim villagers denied this.

Tomás Ojea Quintana, a UN special rapporteur on human rights, said a 200-strong mob attacked his car during an August 22 visit to the central Myan-

Rohingya Muslim women look out from their home in Sittwe mar town of Meikhtila, where a wave of anti-Muslim riots in March killed at least 43 people, destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced thousands.

REUTERS

Presidential spokesman Ye Htut denied Ojea Quintana had been attacked and said the United Nations mistook the crowd’s intentions. l

Trial of Egypt Islamists adjourned over their absence n AFP, Cairo An Egyptian court adjourned Sunday the trial of three jailed Muslim Brotherhood leaders because of their absence, with the judge ordering they be present for the next session in October.

At the same time, toppled dictator Hosni Mubarak appeared in a separate court for his first hearing since he was placed on house arrest on Thursday.

The hearings come against the back-

drop of political uncertainty in the wake of the July 3 ouster of Islamist president Mohammed Morsi, followed by a crackdown on his Brotherhood movement.

Security sources told AFP that the Brotherhood defendants, including supreme guide Mohammed Badie and two deputies, were not brought to court because police feared protesters could attack the trucks transporting them to prison. But the judge overseeing their trial for inciting the deaths of protesters

adjourned the proceedings over their absence and asked the interior ministry to bring them to the next hearing on October 29. Badie, along with deputies Khairat al-Shater and Rashad al-Bayoumi, faces charges related to the deaths of protesters who stormed the Brotherhood’s Cairo headquarters on June 30.

The session against the Brotherhood leaders came as Mubarak appeared in court for the first time since he was released from jail.

9

Monday, August 26, 2013

It was also the first time Mubarak had been seen in public since he left Tora prison on Thursday, after being cleared for pre-trial release by a court.

He was immediately placed under house arrest by interim prime minister Hazem el-Beblawi, on the basis of powers granted to him under Egypt’s state of emergency. He still faces many charges, including complicity in the deaths of some 850 people killed in the 2011 uprising against him, and corruption. l

The UN’s top rights official began a fact-finding mission to Sri Lanka on Sunday after the government dropped public hostility towards her and promised access to former war zones.

Navi Pillay, who has previously been accused by Colombo of overstepping her mandate, arrived in the capital for a week-long mission that will include talks with President Mahinda Rajapakse and visits to the former war zones in the north and east.

The government’s U-turn came as Canada leads calls for a boycott of a Commonwealth summit scheduled to take place in the Sri Lankan capital later this year.

Sri Lanka has resisted pressure from the UN and Western nations for a credible investigation into allegations that up to 40,000 civilians were killed in the final months of its separatist war, which ended in 2009.

A no-holds-barred military offensive crushed Tamil Tiger rebels who at the height of their power controlled a third of Sri Lanka’s territory. Rajapakse has since been dogged by claims of indiscriminate killing of ethnic Tamils.

During her visit, Pillay is scheduled to hold talks with Sri Lankan rights defenders to discuss the “culture of impunity” that existed over the conflict, local rights activist Nimalka Fernando said.

“We are in the process of finalising our memo to her. We want to talk about the culture of impunity during and after the war,” Fernando told AFP. “We are also specifically taking up the issue of media freedom in Sri Lanka.”

Fernando said an armed break-in at the Colombo home of a senior journalist at the Sunday Leader newspaper on Saturday could be linked to her work, although police insisted it was only an attempted robbery.

The attack was the latest in a string

of violent incidents involving the staff of the privately-run newspaper, whose founding editor Lasantha Wickrematunge – a fierce government critic – was shot dead while he drove to work in January 2009.

“The murder of the Sunday Leader editor has still not been solved and this is also something that we will take up,” Fernando said.

Tamil groups are banking on Pillay’s first visit to Sri Lanka to revive calls for a war crimes probe.

“We will take up with her the question of accountability, the issue of thousands of missing people, the militarisation of Tamil areas and the lack of political freedoms,” Tamil National Alliance lawmaker Suresh Premachandran told AFP. Pillay’s visit follows two resolutions by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in as many years demanding Colombo hold an independent investigation into “credible allegations” that troops shelled hospitals and refugee camps, and executed surrendering rebels.

The government insists that its troops did not kill civilians and has slammed the UNHRC for its “ill-timed and unwarranted” resolutions.

A pro-government group said it will hold a demonstration outside the UN offices in Colombo on Monday to protest Pillay’s visit. The same group has held similar protests in the past and called Pillay a US stooge.

The government’s change of heart in welcoming the rights chief could signal a desire to improve its image ahead of a crucial UNHRC session in September and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.

“She has not accepted what we have done (to improve the rights situation),” Sri Lanka’s human rights envoy to the UN, Mahinda Samarasinghe, told reporters in Colombo last week.

“So we are showing her what we have done and we are also allowing her to visit anywhere and meet anyone.” l

Thousands in Washington mark ‘I Have a Dream’ speech

Pakistan accuses India of killing two women in Kashmir

n AFP, Washington

n AFP, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan

Tens of thousands gathered Saturday to mark 50 years since the March on Washington, the civil rights watershed where Martin Luther King Jr famously declared: “I have a dream.”

Under blue skies, the predominantly – but by no means exclusively – African American crowd swelled around the Reflecting Pool, cheering a procession of speakers who addressed them from the white marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

“This is not a time for nostalgic commemoration... The task is not done.

The journey is not complete. We can and we must do more,” said King’s son

Martin Luther King III, speaking from the precise spot where his father delivered one of American history’s greatest speeches.

“Their march is now our march, and it must go on,” echoed Attorney General Eric Holder, honouring the estimated 250,000 who assembled on the National Mall in sweltering heat on August 28, 1963 to denounce racial segregation and demand equal rights.

“Today, we look to the work that remains unfinished,” Holder said. “We want this nation to be all it was designed to be, and all it can be.”

Organisers had planned for as many as 150,000 people to attend Saturday’s mass rally and afternoon march past

the nearby Martin Luther King Jr monument, ahead of another commemorative march Wednesday to be addressed

by President Barack Obama.

The March on Washington is best remembered for King’s stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul-searching, crisis and change.

Saturday’s event, spearheaded by civil rights firebrand Reverend Al Sharpton with prominent tradeunion backing, underscored a fresh list of concerns, from income inequality and threats to voting rights to immigration reform and urban violence. l

Pakistani authorities on Sunday accused the Indian army of cross-border shelling that killed two women and wounded seven other civilians in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

“A 17-year-old girl who was wounded in shelling by Indian troops died at hospital, while another injured man was brought there,” local police chief Chaudhry Majid told AFP. A local government official earlier said a woman was killed and seven were wounded in shelling by Indian troops.

“A woman was killed and at least

seven other villagers were wounded when Indian forces fired shells from across the Line of Control (Loc),” said the official, Masood-ur-Rehman.

The latest death is the sixth Pakistani reported to have been killed in skirmishes across the heavily militarised de facto border in Kashmir since five Indian soldiers were ambushed and killed on August 5.

Delhi blamed the August 5 killings on the Pakistani army, but Islamabad denied any responsibility and has called for restraint and dialogue.

Shells fired by Indian troops struck villages in Nakyal sector, some 200km south of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, intermittently over-

night, Rehman said.

Three houses had been damaged and one house and a car destroyed, he told AFP. Javed Budhanwi, an MP from the area, said Indian shelling had caused panic among more than 50,000 local residents and warned that authorities may have to evacuate civilians to safer locations.

“It is difficult for people to move out at the moment as the shelling continues,” Budhanwi told AFP. The intermittent clashes threaten to jeopardise a planned meeting between the two countries’ prime ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next month. l

Ben Affleck and the Batman backlash n AP, New York

This long-exposure photograph taken from Levante (or East) beach in La Linea de la Concepcion shows the Rock of Gibraltar. Spain ceded Gibraltar to Britain in perpetuity in 1713 but has long argued that it should be returned to Spanish sovereignty. London says it will not do so against the wishes of Gibraltarians, who are staunchly pro-British.

AFP

Ben Affleck will be the next Batman: How ‘bout them apples? Well, the Internet, which erupted Thursday night after Warner Bros announced that Affleck will play the Caped Crusader for its Superman and Batman team-up movie, does not like them apples one bit. Jokes (many of them imagining a Batman from South Boston) flew on Twitter. Petitions with thousands of signatures were launched to urge Warner Bros. to rethink their decision.

Affleck, just months ago the toast of Hollywood for his best picture-winning “Argo,” hasn’t had so much scorn heaped on him since “Gigli.”

The response, roughly equivalent to news of the apocalypse, was undoubtedly out of proportion. After the leaden, joyless “Man of Steel,” adding Affleck — an actor of light, easy charisma and an increasingly capable filmmaker — can only improve a franchise currently in the hands of “Sucker Punch” director Zach Snyder and the beefy but unremarkable Superman actor Henry Cavill.

Affleck is likely to be far from the biggest issue for the film, which is scheduled to begin shooting next year and be released in summer 2015. He has already proven to be a more interesting Superman, too, by playing a bitter George Reeves in the atmospheric 2006 docudrama “Hollywoodland.”

Affleck’s casting speaks to a larger shift in this age of the superhero blockbuster.

Affleck will be following in the footsteps of Christian Bale, the star of Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy — the artistic apogee of the superhero movies, a series that treated

its hero not as cartoon but a vessel for exploring themes of terrorism and justice.

The days of such aspirations, though, seem to be dwindling. Sam Raimi isn’t shepherding Spider-Man anymore. Most of the most popular superheros are on their second or third reboot. After the success of Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers,” Hollywood is looking increasingly to pairing its comics. Another “Avengers” film is on the way. And after the Superman-Batman movie, a “Justice League” film (with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman and others) is rumored to follow.

These are the kinds of projects that could be seen as a sign of jumping the shark if this wasn’t a movie genre built on men in tights. The superhero blockbuster, still the biggest draw at the multiplex (with $408.2million, “Iron Man 3” is easily this year’s biggest box-office hit), has made gimmickry a way of business, not a fault.

In the past, superhero movies didn’t need stars: The brand was the main attraction. But being a major star, Affleck comes with a lot of baggage that many expect will grate similar to how George Clooney did in Joel Schumacher’s 1997 “Batman and Robin” — a film so bad, it’s often been cited as a catalyst for more serious, dramatic interpretations of superheros.

It’s ironic because Affleck has appeared to ape the career of Clooney by shifting into directing and flirting with politics. Affleck, 41, will take on Batman at a slightly older age and in a more established place in his career.

But he’ll be best to listen to another piece of advice from Clooney: At least don’t let them put nipples on the Batman suit. l

10 DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial

Monday, August 26, 2013

Letters to

www.dhakatribune.com

the Editor

LETTER OF THE DAY

Concerns about math

BTRC’s bad idea

O

n July 26, we editorialised on BTRC’s decision to revive a dead auction to accommodate Ollo and provide 4G LTE licenses. We have also written about how national interests are being compromised and the overall licensing process is mired in smoke.

Now, once again, inexplicably, there have been reports of BTRC changing the licensing guidelines to favour Ollo.

Before, the issue was the low-ball price that Ollo was paying for its license; now BTRC is simply bending and changing its coat to retro-fit Ollo’s figure.

Why the BTRC appears The favouritism hell-bent on creating grounds that BTRC is for Ollo to have a free run showing towards at the market is beyond Ollo not only comprehension. We must not seems odd forget the shady history that but also raises Ollo has: refusing the license questions that while it was offered and starting ought to be operations without filling in the uncomfortable necessary paperwork.

The favouritism that BTRC for any regulatory is showing towards Ollo not commission only seems odd but also raises questions that ought to be uncomfortable for any regulatory commission. The point of having a regulator in any open market is to create a level playing field and ensure the healthy competition is beneficial to the consumers.

If credible reports of corruption were to emerge in the whole process, it won’t do the government’s re-election prospects much good. After the serious damage that Hall-Mark and Bismillah group scams have done to this government’s image, it really can do without one more scandal.

Such irregular practice at this point in time is as bad an idea as it gets.

Math is at the root of the sciences. So, from the very beginning, math should be taught to our children with great expertise and care. It is a great joy for us that creative questions on math are going to be introduced in the JSC and SSC levels, from 2014 and 2015, respectively.

But we are very sorry to not see much work being done on that issue. We expect creative questions to be printed in the daily newspapers, discussions and talk shows should be aired on various channels and a lot of sample creative questions uploaded on to websites.

A regular workshop and training on creative questions should be continued simultaneously across the country, so that teachers will feel comfortable about it.

Moreover, sample math questions with solutions for those in grade five during 2013 have been uploaded on to the nape.gov.bd website, where the answer of Question 9 is wrong. I know an advanced group working in primary mathematics who set the same questions from the website in a test to select teachers for their primary schools and all the candidates got zero marks on that question though they corrected it.

I would like to request the authorities concerned to do extensive work towards familiarising creative questions on mathematics in Bangladesh.

Mawduda Hasnin, Rajshahi

dhakatribune.com

‘Oishee’s case shows admin, legal system not child-friendly’ August 20 We should dig into this horrible incident to find out the root cause. Actually, there must be emotions, depression or even frustrations of being human behind this story.

But while powerful and easily usable drugs are available in our society, under the condition of depression caused by natural ups and downs of life, one becomes prone to grasp at the drugs to seek an escape from the untold and unbearable pain. At the initial stage, drugs offer a sweet solution to the crisis, but soon it shows its ugly face as time passes.

It soon weighs down the broken heart and deepens the ongoing crisis within badly.

Now you can only expect such bad accidents if the addict is not treated properly! The depressed person would have a chance to get back to the

natural ups and downs if he or she wouldn’t be introduced to drugs.

It’s not a standalone incident. It’s an alarm. It’s a forecast.

I am anxious to offer three point solutions to such crises, as follows: Point One: We must keep caring and listening to every heart. Don’t let someone be so sad about anything.

Point Two: Drug traders are involved in the murder, logically speaking; this the society can’t either forget or forgive anyhow.

Point Three: As a society we must have world standard mental health care facilities so we can learn and take care of each heart properly.

Sardar Mamun

Be Heard

Teacher strikes cause student mayhem

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ollowing yesterday’s protest by teachers at Jahangirnagar University, many have expressed fears that students will be the ones to lose out and rightfully so. It seems the teachers of public universities are prepared to take any step to have yet another VC replaced, regardless of what repercussions they cause.

Whether the VC’s refusal to listen is of consequence or the teachers’ demands A much needed unreasonable, is not the issue. first step should It is the consequences of their be implementing combined actions that need to and more be dealt with. importantly It seems common sense was enforcing thrown out of the window, newer and more when teachers staged their effective laws to protest to have the VC removed ensure teachers from his post. The unavoidable fulfil their duties consequence of such reckless to their students conduct from the teachers will be to inevitably force the students to suffer delays in their education, as we have seen countless times in the past.

When faced with such malpractices, it begs to question, where has professionalism gone? Why is it that our teachers opt to not prioritise the education of their students, and instead are always at the ready to have their demands met?

It is high time our government addressed such matters. A much needed first step should be implementing and more importantly enforcing newer and more effective laws to ensure teachers fulfil their duties to their students.

That should be the bottom line.

Musharraf charged with Benazir Bhutto’s murder August 21 Joke of his life!

Zahurul Islam

Outrage in Indonesia over schoolgirl virginity tests August 21

Zahurul Islam I can readily question about the validity of virginity tests! A mockery of honesty. And what about the male students?

Shurpali Arvind It shows the attitude of the person proposing the test, which is defective. I don’t understand the relation between virginity and education in senior high schools. Does loss of virginity affect the ability to learn? Then, those who are married and many who are unmarried will be affected adversely!

Anjan Kumar Deb A few years back two economists in New York Times propounded the subject of freakonomics.

Establishing relations between seemingly unrelated facts. Legalisation of abortion drastically reduced crime rates 16 years later (USA). Banning increased it (in Romania). Why should our ministers lag behind?

SSS Conducting the tests would not necessarily ensure the test results would be positive - or negative (Use: perspective). It may in turn just piss off more parents, create more distance between parents and children which is just unnecessary.

And I’m not even going to start on the numerous violations of women’s rights this “law” (if implemented) would lead to.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s wall ‘hacked’ by Palestinian security researcher August 21

Deepon Md. Ali Abdullah He [the researcher] should get a job at Facebook; instead they disabled his account.

Moon Ahsan This gives Mark an extra tick to think about security issues.

Mohammad Tanvir Khalid Wonder how many were fired.

Sardar Omar FA Hossain What goes around comes around!!

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PEANUTS

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU ACROSS 1 Commands (6) 4 Farm animal (3) 7 Motif (5) 8 Tempt (6) 11 Lair (3) 12 Require (4) 13 Bearing (4) 15 Metal (5) 16 Less well (5) 20 Headwear (4) 23 Fierce animal (4) 24 Obscure (3) 25 Forms in line (6) 26 Perfect (5) 27 Female swan (3) 28 Come forth (6)

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August 20

DOWN 1 Lays bare (5) 2 Clear to see (7) 3 Slender support (4) 4 Yield (4) 5 Presage (4) 6 Lump on the skin (3) 9 Fish trap (3) 10 Golfing aid (3) 14 Worship (7) 17 Equip (3) 18 Offspring (3) 19 Result from (5) 20 Conceal (4) 21 So be it! (4) 22 Auction (4) 24 Immerse (3)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS Crossword

How to solve Sudoku: Fill in the blank spaces with the numbers 1 – 9. Every row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain all nine digits with no number repeating.

Code-Cracker

DHAKA TRIBUNE

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Monday, August 26, 2013

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A cricketer and a model

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Let’s stop demonising everything from Pakistan

n Abdul Matin

DHAKA TRIBUNE

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n Towheed Feroze emanding an apology for 1971 war crimes is our valid right as Bangladeshis, but a tendency to demonise everything from Pakistan suggests immaturity.

Although four decades have passed since Bangladesh became independent, there seems to be a section of society including famous cricket players who were born long after the liberation war, which has decided to abhor everything from Pakistan.

The atrocities committed by the Pakistani forces in 1971 can never be forgotten, but is it not somewhat outdated for Bangladeshis to harbour a visceral antipathy towards an entire nation?

No one is asking us to forget Bangladesh’s glorious independence movement, but the world has seen many ideological shifts since

Shahid Afridi, the Pakistani cricketer recently came to Bangladesh to open a boutique. Mehjabeen, a local model who paraded the stage wearing the shop’s dresses, came under flak from a wide range of bloggers for showcasing attire from Pakistan. Some even reprimanded her for simply enjoying her stage moments with the cricketer.

Surely, this is taking animosity a tad too far, as a little added excitement because the promoter is a famous cricketer was perfectly natural.

It is one thing to denounce the administration which engineered the

massacre of innocent people in the then East-Pakistan, but targeting everything to do with Pakistan now appears more like paranoia.

It is always wrong to generalise about an entire group of people; just because Israel is run by Jews and the state oppresses Palestinians, it does not mean all Jews can or should be criticised for Israel’s actions.

Such criticisms of this fashion show were also out of step with the popularity of dresses made in Pakistan during the wedding season in Bangladesh, not to mention the support given by some Bangladeshis whenever the Pakistan cricket team takes the field.

Let me be very clear – the genocide perpetrated by the invading army in 1971 was a grave violation of human rights, but for generations born years after the war to stereotype all Pakistanis as mortal enemies is more the product of an irrational rage.

It was wrong for the Bangladeshi model to be criticised for simply showcasing some clothes and acting perfectly within her professional work ethic.

Just to give this matter more context, during the second world war, Germany invaded and committed atrocities across most of Europe. Yet, as part of the European Union, former enemy nations now have open borders and form a shared economic zone.

Despite many signs of tension within the EU, no one wants the positive aspects of this model to fall apart.

Similarly, while India has fought three major wars with Pakistan and relations have always been strained, this has not stopped Pakistanis religiously watching Bollywood movies or Pakistani cricket players being swooned over in India.

Current US-Vietnam ties are a good

illustration of how past mistakes cannot be used to define current relationships. Once bitter enemies who fought a protracted and bloody war, the US today supplies Vietnam’s highest number of tourists and battlegrounds have become popular tourist spots.

The message here is clear – follies of the past should not be used to define present day engagements, especially at the social level.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, went to Pakistan himself to attend the OIC Summit By lambasting Mehjabeen, a lot of people have revealed more about their own insular self image and outlook, than anything she has done. Maybe the reason behind their outbursts was motivated more by jealousy than concern about the emotive issues of 1971?

No one is asking us to forget Bangladesh’s glorious independence movement, but the world has seen many ideological shifts since then.

While, China, Pakistan’s ally in 1971, was among the last nations to recognise Bangladesh (8 October, 1975), China is today our staunchest friend and supplier of much of our military hardware. Saudi Arabia, which also only recognised Bangladesh in 1975, believing for a long time that the dismemberment of a Muslim state was wrong, provides a lot of support and employment to Bangladeshis today.

Meanwhile, the US had its navy’s seventh fleet on standby in the Bay of

Bengal to aid the Pakistan army in 1971 and only went on the back-foot after the Soviet Union issued an ultimatum saying that if the US intervened, it would act as well.

Though the US has never apologised formally for taking the wrong side, Bangladesh has always tried to maintain friendly relations and never shied away from seeking US aid. As for many peoples’ perennial US-visa/green card obsession, well that is common in other countries also!

Bangladesh’s relationship with the UK provides possibly the most potent example of long term reconciliation or at least acceptance of former foes by Bangladeshis. History books are filled with criticisms of the British colonial period which saw all Bengal ruled with an iron hand and independence movements suppressed without mercy.

Yet for all our nationalism, despite the 150 years of imperial rule, Bangladeshis are infatuated with the British; whenever their ministers visit, red carpets are rolled out, police protection clears roads and anything they say or suggest makes the headlines.

Of course post WW2 Britain has shed (or perhaps was forced by circumstances to discard!) the imperial legacy of domination, and this is partly why Bangladeshis are happy to accept its new considerate image.

But why then do we keep invoking bloodthirsty images of 1971 onto any modern day incarnation of Pakistan?

Especially given that in 1974, less than three years after liberation, the leader of newly liberated Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, went to Pakistan himself to attend the OIC Summit.

Whatever the inner turmoil he and the Bangladeshis accompanying him might have felt, they went ahead and attended the summit as representatives of an independent sovereign nation.

By the way, Bangladesh recently gave awards to 13 Pakistanis for their bold role against West Pakistani government actions during 1971, which clearly shows why any 1971 related indignation must not be directed at Pakistani people generally but at its brutal leaders during the Bangladesh liberation war.

As for our unswerving demand for an unconditional apology, many Pakistanis have come to realise its importance. Not too long ago, Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir said in an interview, “the time is coming very soon when the Pakistan parliament will demand that the government make a public apology to the people of Bangladesh.”

When a media figures makes such an observation openly, this shows mindsets are being transformed. Therefore, let us not sour relations when signs of change are in the air! l Towheed Firoze is a journalist currently working in development.

Can UN scientists revive drive against climate change? n Richard Ingham

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ot of responsibility lies on the shoulders of UN scientists as they put the final touches to the first volume of a massive report that will give the world the most detailed picture yet of climate change.

Due to be unveiled in Stockholm on September 27, the document will be scrutinised word by word by green groups, fossil-fuel lobbies and governments to see if it will yank climate change out of prolonged political limbo.

The near-fiasco of Copenhagen combined with a financial crisis that struck Western economies ... and climate change vanished off politicians’ radars The report will kick off the fifth assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an expert body set up in 1988 to provide neutral advice on global warming and its impacts.

Six years ago, the IPCC’s fourth assessment report unleashed a megawatt jolt of awareness. It declared that the planet was warming, that this was already starting to affect Earth’s climate system and biosphere, and that there was overwhelming evidence that humans, especially by burning coal, gas and oil, were the cause.

It earned the IPCC a share in the Nobel Peace Prize with former US vice

president Al Gore and stoked momentum that led to the 2009 climate conference in Copenhagen, the biggest summit in UN history.

Yet that was the high point. The near-fiasco of Copenhagen combined with a financial crisis that struck Western economies ... and climate change vanished off politicians’ radars. Then came damage to the IPCC’s own reputation, when several errors were found in the landmark report, prompting a fightback by gleeful climate sceptics and a painful investigation of the panel itself.

A draft of the leviathan new work, seen by Agence France Presse, suggests it will amplify the 2007 warning in several ways. The panel will declare it is even more confident that global warming is man-made and starting to affect extreme weather events, such as flooding, drought and wildfires. It also warns of a potential rise in sea levels that, could drown many coastal cities by the end of the century.

“Changes are projected to occur in all regions of the globe, and include changes in land and ocean, in the water cycle, in the cryosphere, in sea level, in some extreme events and in ocean acidification. Many of these changes would persist for centuries.

Limiting climate change would require substantial and sustained reductions of CO2 emissions,” warns the draft.

This document which focuses on the science of climate change, will be followed next year by two volumes on impacts and steps on how to tackle the problem.

After you, please!

The main text which is written and approved by scientists, can not be modified by national governments, who also have representatives on the IPCC. National governments do have a say, though, in the all-important summary for policymakers, which in its present form runs to 31 pages. So far, they have raised 1,800 reservations, which will need to be hammered out in a line-by-line appraisal before next month’s release.

That melting permafrost is starting to leak methane – will not be included in the new report

Defenders of this laborious system say approval by governments amounts to a “buy-in” from all the world’s nations – a consensus ranging from huge carbon polluters like China and the US to vulnerable small-island states such as the Maldives and major oil and gas exporters like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

“I am greatly in favour of this process of comments followed by adoption,” said Jean Jouzel, a leading French climate scientist who is vice president of the IPCC group in charge of the upcoming volume “The adoption is what gives the IPCC report its success and visibility, and enables its effective use by governments.”

Others are not so sure. Inclusiveness, transparency and nitpicking mean the process is horribly slow.

Almost every week, new evidence of climate damage is published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

But the most recent scary stuff – the discovery, for instance, that melting permafrost is starting to leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas – will not be included in the new report because of the cut-off date for reviewing material.

Michael Mann, a professor at Penn State University and author of a book, “The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars,” blames the cumbersome and delayed nature of the process in part on campaigning by well-funded sceptics who either deny global warming or pin it on natural causes, such as fluctuations in solar heat. They intimidate individual scientists and exploit areas of scientific uncertainty to claim there is no expert consensus, he said.

As a result, the IPCC compilers are driven to even greater caution, with the risk that they deliver a message that is fuzzy or larded with doubt.

“I believe that these pressures combine with the innate tendency of scientists to be reticent about drawing strong conclusions,” said Mann.

As a result, “assessment reports like the IPCC report almost inevitably end up understating the conclusions and, in this case, the risks of human-caused climate change.”l This article was first published by AFP.

E

ven though Eid is over, its after effects are still visible. People are talking about how they celebrated Eid, what they wore, where they went, what they ate and where they shopped.

The city of Dhaka assumed a festive mood some time before Eid. Shopping malls were decorated, illuminated and festooned with. Special gates were erected with “Eid Mubarak and Welcome” banners to greet the hordes of browsers and buyers that thronged throughout Ramadan.

Eid is celebrated by all Muslims – rich or poor. Most people wear new clothes for the occasion. Special meals and sweet dishes are prepared at every home. People visit relations and friends to exchange Eid greetings.

Everyone is welcome everywhere. The president, the prime minister and the leader of opposition arrange special receptions for both dignitaries and commoners on Eid day.

In order to be close to relatives, many people travel to celebrate Eid with relations at their ancestral homes. There is an unusual rush in trains, buses and steamers to go home before Eid. Many politicians also visit their constituencies to meet local party workers and leaders. Big feasts are arranged to entertain them. Coloured posters are hung around all places with photographs of political leaders and Eid greetings for the voters.

Some well-to-do people go abroad for celebrating Eid. This has become a new craze in Dhaka. International airlines do good business during the Eid vacation

Meanwhile, the city of Dhaka, begins to assume a deserted look during the Eid vacation because so many people leave the city. With less busy and sometimes empty streets, it becomes a drivers’ paradise. What a pleasure to drive from one corner of the city to the other in fifteen to twenty minutes, when normally such journeys can take two hours or more.

Some well-to-do people go abroad for celebrating Eid. This has become a new craze in Dhaka. International airlines do good business during the Eid vacation. Popular destinations like Kolkata, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are abuzz with Bangladeshi tourists. As for that matter ate hotels in Cox’s Bazaar which also invariably remain full.

Local parks, zoos and recreational places organise special events to entertain their visitors. Old Dhakites organise a colourful special Eid procession with traditional horse driven carts and rickshaws, which passes entertains residents as it passes through major streets of the city.

I wonder who would like to accept the hospitality of the Central Jail on Eid day and step inside. If you ask me, I would, of course, be polite and tell you ‘After you, please!’

Special meals are served in orphanages, hospitals and institutions as you would expect. Such celebration even extends to jails apparently.

A picture of the Dhaka Central Jail with two banners hanging beside the main entrance has gone viral on the internet recently. The banners greet all visitors and passers-by with the traditional “Welcome” and “Eid Mubarak” signs.

It is very nice of them but why are they so eager to welcome new “guests?” Have the inmates also left the jail for celebration of Eid with friends and relations? Or are families making special trips to this otherwise not particularly festive place?

I wonder who would like to accept the hospitality of the Central Jail on Eid day and step inside. If you ask me, I would, of course, be polite and tell you: “After you, please!” l The writer is a former chief engineer of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

Monday, August 26, 2013

Shillong Chamber Choir comes to Bangladesh

ON TV

n Entertainment Desk

MOVIES

Shillong Chamber Choir, one of the most popular bands in India in choir music, is coming to Bangladesh to present two concerts in Dhaka and Sylhet.

As part of mega post Eid celebrations, Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka is bringing the band who will perform on September 6 at the Mirpur Indoor Stadium in Dhaka on September 8 at the Sylhet Auditorium.

Shillong Chamber Choir is a multigenre choir founded in 2001 by Neil Nongkynrih. The band has 25 members including 15 singers, and other musicians and soloist, apart from conductor Nongkynrih. The Choir’s repertoire includes works of western classical music, including Handel, Bach, Gershwin and Mozart, from hits by rock group Queen, and Khasi folk songs and opera as well Bangla songs.

The band shot to fame after it won the reality TV show, India’s Got Talent in October 2010. Their Christmas Album in 2011 became the highest selling in India for non-cinematic music. A notable collaboration took place in March 2013 when Neil Nongkynrih accompanied the voices of the Shillong Chamber Choir and Ustad Zakir Hussain on Tabla and Percussions.

The Shillong Chamber Choir has performed extensively in India and Europe, the UK, Canada, the USA and South East Asia. l

7:00pm Fox Movies Premium Hit & Run

7:30pm Star Movies Bad Teacher

7:44pm WB Ghost Ship

8:40pm Fox Movies Premium Fantastic Four

9:00pm Zee Studio Uninhabited

9:30pm HBO

Wrath Of The Titans

11:00pm Zee Studio Pearl Harbor

11:25pm WB Crank

11:30pm Star Movies In Time

11:38pm HBO

Conan The Destroyer

COMEDY 9:30am FX

The Simpsons

11:30am Colors

Mrs Pammi Pyarelal

1:30pm Comedy Central Cultural organisation Nrityanandan presented a colourful evening, paying tribute to Rabindranath Tagore, titled “Arup Tomar Bani“ on August 24 at the auditorium of Chhayanaut. The programme featured dance pieces on songs and poems that Tagore wrote during his different visits to Europe SYED LATIF HOSSAIN

Guys With Kids

3:30pm Star World Glee

5:30pm Z Café

Just For Laughs

7:30pm Sony Sab

Samina lends voice in Naquib Khan’s tune

Prakrita Purangana tells the story of a maverick woman n Afrose Jahan Chaity

n Shadma Malik Popular singer Samina Chowdhury lends her honeyed voice to the tunes of another celebrated musician Naquib Khan. The celebrities last worked together in the album “Swapnojorano” 24 years ago. The album’s song “Tumi Ele Paye Paye” brought Samina to a new height in her career.

Samina has started working in the album “Cholo Bachi,” where Naquib composed three songs. While talking about the album with Dhaka Tribune, the veteran composer said: “Zulfiqer Russel came to me with a brilliant lyrics and I composed it for him. I am looking forward for the album to release soon.”

On the other hand, Samina said: “We have started to work on the album very recently, I believe it is very early to talk about. I can only say that the songs composed by Naquib are very melodious, just like his previous works.” Samina in recent times has completed her recording of a solo album titled “Pushpobrishti” which is scheduled to be released in the coming Eid-ul-Azha.

The upcoming album consists of 9 solo tracks and one duet song of Samina and Rupankar. It is named after its title song “Cholo Banchi.” Along with renowned composers Naquib and Pilu Khan, two Indian composers, Joy Sarker and Raghav have also worked in the album. l

The six-day theatre festival titled “Nari Jagorone Natya Ayojon 2013” celebrating women empowerment ended on August 24 at Bangladesh Shilapakala Academy with the of Theatre Baily Road’s “Mukti” and Desh Natak’s “Prakrita Purangana.”

A total of 12 plays that highlights the complexities faced by the women folk of the country were staged by a number of theatre troupes, during the festival.

On the last day of the festival, “Prakrita Purangana” is a play which speaks against the discrimination of women in our society, saw a houseful audience. Throughout the play, the director tries to establish the point of the intricacy between every religion and social system. While religion gave the highest respect to a woman, the male dominating societal structure disagrees to give them any opportunity to prove their worth. It is a regular norm for the females in a patriarchal hierarchy, that their worship’s entity is a male figure.

The plot of the play revolves around Rupai and her life. Rupai is unmar-

‘Nature – Color and Vision’ Khurshid Alam Saleem Time: 12 pm- 8pm Shipangan, House 7, Road 13 New Dhanmondi ‘Automated Subjectivity’

By Mustafa Zaman and Shuvo Rafiqul Time: 12pm-8pm Bengal Art Lounge 60 Gulshan Ave. Road 131. Circle 1

Rules Of Engagement

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8:00pm Colors

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8:40pm Masranga Tv Khonikaloi

9:05pm Banglavision Red signal

9:30pm Zee Tv Pavitra Rishta

10:55pm ATN Bangla ried, though, society dictates that she should have been married years ago.

One day, she meets a spiritual teacher, who inspires her to find a life partner.

Suddenly, Rupai who gave very little thought to such matters stats to speculate about the perks of finding a suitable life partner.

Her longing comes to an end when she meets the love of her life. But alas! She takes dishonest steps to fulfill her heart’s desire and suffers terribly.

In the end, she dies, but does surrender to the wrong demands of a male chauvinistic social order. l

Bangla musical evening held in Auckland n Entertainment Desk

‘Here is There – There is Here’ Toyomi Hoshina Time: 12pm – 8pm Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts House 275, Road 27, Old Dhanmondi Shahabuddin The Painter, The Fighter Iftekhar Wahid Iftee Time: 10am- 10pm Zainul Gallery-2, Charukala Dhaka University

8:30pm Big CBS Love

2:40pm Channel i

TODAY IN DHAKA Exhibition

Taraak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah

Sabiha Mahbub and Rani Aklima perform Bangla songs in Auckland

The Bangladeshi community in Auckland recently organised a charity musical show “Barnali Shondha” on August 24.

Expatriate Bangladeshi singers Sabiha Mahbub and Rani Aklima performed several Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti at the show.

The émigré Bangali community of Auckland enjoyed this impressive portrayal of the rich culture of the country at the Playhouse theatre in the capital of New Zealand. l

Nirbikar Manush

NEWS 12:00pm RTV Bulletin

2:00pm Desh Tv

Shongbad Shomoi

5:00pm Banglavision Shongbad

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Shondhar Shongbad

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Shongbaadpotrey Bangladesh

10:30am ATN Bangla Onno Dristi

11:30am ATN News Money Matter

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Shah Rukh’s Chennai Express finally beats Aamir’s 3 Idiots n Entertainment Desk The box office collections of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer “Chennai Express” have yet again made it obvious that it’s the audience that can make or break a film at the ticket window.

Rohit Shetty’s understanding of the perfect ingredients for a typical masala Bollywood film clubbed with the business and marketing acumen of Shah Rukh helped Chennai Express thwart the records of Amir Khan’s “3 Idiots,” which has been ruling the top grossers charts till date.

At the same time, with this success Rohit Shetty too has emerged as the Bollywood’s commercial movie king.

Rohit Shetty’s four films including “Singham,” “Golmaal 3” and “Bol Bachchan” have made it to the Rs “100 crore” club.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Chennai Express has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark in a very short period. In fact, it also crossed the 100 crore mark in the shortest time period. l

4:30pm ETV Icche Ghuri

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Apnaar Jigasha

6:25pm Banglavision Front Line

MISC 9:30am NDTV Good Times Yogasutra

11:30am Discovery Wildlife

1:30pm MTV Say 10

3:30pm Fox Traveller Food Safari

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Divine Destinations

8:30pm TLC

Ultimate Shopper

10:30pm Vh1

Video Shuufle

Did you know?

In July of 1934, Babe Ruth paid a fan $20 for the return of the baseball he hit for his 700th career home run

Sport

Monday, August 26, 2013

14 Tevez and Toni steal 14 Jose out to show for Juventus ruin Moyes and Verona home debut

DHAKA TRIBUNE

13

15 Vettel storms to victory, extends lead in title race

Shakib overlooked by big clubs n Mazhar Uddin

BJMC players capture an Assami attacker in the Walton International Kabaddi at the Kabaddi stadium yesterday

BJMC beat Assam in Intl Women’s Kabaddi n Raihan Mahmood

BJMC, the representatives of Bangladesh in the Walton International Invitational Women’s Kabaddi, made a winning start by beating Assam 26-17 at the Kabaddi Stadium yesterday. BJMC earned one lona in their success.

Meanwhile in an all Indian affair, West Bengal edged past Andhra Pradesh by 37-33 points in the second match of the day.

Iliyas Kanchan, executive director of Walton inaugurated the meet as the chief guest. Kabaddi Federation general secretary Md. Nazrul Islam and additional director of Walton FM Iqbal bin Anwar Dawn were also present on the occasion. l

MUMIT M

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was overlooked by Abahani Sporting Club and three other big teams at the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) players’ recruitment which was held at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel yesterday. Shakib – one of four A+ category players - was eventually picked by Kalabagan Krira Chakra, while national captain Mushfiqur Rahim was picked by Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Tamim Iqbal by Brothers Union and Nasir Hossain by Victoria Sporting Club.

Early on, the attention was on the A+ category - the price for each player from there being Tk2.2m – and after Sheikh Jamal earned the first pick by winning a lottery of the top six clubs from last season, they chose Mushfiqur Rahim.

The second team to pick was Cricket Coaching School (CCS) and they chose not to call from the A+ grade. Third team Victoria Sporting Club picked Nasir Hossain and on the next call, Brothers Union chose dashing opening batsman Tamim Iqbal.

Surprisingly, Abahani Sporting Club passed over Shakib, which gave Kalabagan the opportunity to grab the finest all-rounder in the country.

Abahani, one of the biggest teams

in the DPL, followed an unexpected strategy in putting together their team.

Having passed over Shakib, they only chose one player from the national team - Shahriar Nafees “Our strategy is to build a young team. You can see that we have picked Liton Kumar Das, who is a very talented player,” explained Ismail Hayder Mollick, a top official from the club.

Ismail went on to explain the reason for not choosing Shakib. “As you know, the national team will be busy with their international schedule - the New Zealand series is starting from October, so we considered that he wouldn’t be available all the time.”

Monzur Kader, the president of the Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club who picked first, explained the choice of Mushfiq ahead of Shakib. “Mushfiq played for our team last season and he performed exceptionally well. No doubt Shakib is a class player but we wanted Mushfiq in our team as a captain and for the main part, we will focus on our foreign players to boost the team aside from that.”

An official from the Kalabagan team dismissed rumours that Shakib would not play in the DPL and said that when the player had been informed that Kalabagan had picked him, he “congratulated” the club for the move. l

A new experience for cricketers

Korea crush Bangladesh

n Mazhar Uddin

Bangladesh played below par in being thrashed by defending champions Korea 0-9 in their opening match of the Asia Cup at Ipoh, Malaysia yesterday.

The goals for Korea were scored by Jong Hyun (21, 42, 67), Hyun Sung Hye( 21, 35), You Hyo Sik (4), Jung Man Jae (52), Lee Sung (69) and Young Jin (70).

Frustratingly, Mamunur Rahman’s men conceded three goals in the last three minutes of the game, reflecting a lack of concentration.

Korea had the lion’s share of possession and Bangladesh were kept busy defending throughout the match. It was not till the dying stages that Bangladesh were able to break out of the shackles, but even then, they could not snatch a goal. Even Bangladesh’s defence was choppy, with the Koreans managing several times to have the last

The lottery and grading system for recruiting players for the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) took place for the first time yesterday and for a change, some of the players were not aware of which team they would be representing in the tournament. Many local players and several members of the Bangladesh “A” team that are currently touring England, called the media to ask which team had picked them.

Traditionally, the cricketers would talk with the clubs before the start of the league and negotiate their own salary.

The new system was strongly opposed by many players and even after it was decided that the system would be used, players remained mistrustful of it.

Being away from the country, the

Bangladesh “A” team’s players were naturally keen to follow the recruitment process and players such as Shamsur Rahman, Robiul Islam, Roqibul Hasan, Sohag Gazi and Farhad Reza were eager to know which team they would be playing for.

“We don’t know for which team we will be playing for this year because of this new player recruitment system and it’s natural for us to be curious about it, since the DPL is the biggest tournament for all the cricketers of Bangladesh,” explained Shamsur Rahman.

Though the cricketers stopped short of commenting on the new system, some of the players, who requested anonymity, were unhappy to be picked up by certain clubs that have a reputation for not clearing the salaries they owe to the cricketers. l

n Raihan Mahmood

man in front of the goal line to flick in goals while the defence stood further ahead.

Though the defence, led by goalkeeper Zahid Hossain, foiled a number of good attacks by the Koreans, they also let in a number of soft goals. Three goals coming in the last three minutes further suggested that the team was unable to maintain its concentration and this will be a concern for coach Naveed Alam ahead of today’s game against Oman.

The defence was also technically poor as the speedy Koreans earned a total of 14 penalty corners of which they converted four. Bangladesh defence was outrun by the speed and skill of the fleet footed Koreans, who took time to settle but were always in control of the match. Another frustrating point was Bangladesh’s inability to win a single penalty corner in the entire 70

minutes.

Russell Mahmood Jimmy produced some flashy stick work on the flanks and two of his crosses caught forward Krishna Kumar on the wrong foot. On the first occasion Krishna missed the sidepost and on the second, he failed to cut the line.

Naveed Alam was frustrated and angry afterwards. “The players did not implement their defensive strategies.

They allowed the Koreans in the defence. The first 20 minutes were ok but gradually the players forgot what they have been taught for the last 50 days, they failed to play as per the plan,” said Naveed over phone.

“However, we will play the next match against Oman and it’s our most important match. I want to recharge the players so that they can come out firing. Let’s hope for best against Oman,” he added. l

DPL clubs happy with recruitments n Minhaz Uddin Khan

The 12 Dhaka Premier League clubs selected their squads for the Dhaka Premier League season 2012-13 in the Players’ Draft at a local hotel yesterday.

The event was a closed-door affair with where representatives of the clubs calling the names of the players by turn and the Players’ Draft Commission confirming the recruitment. This was the first time that the players’ rotation policy was implemented but by day’s end, nearly all of the teams were happy with their recruitments – leaving aside the players’ reactions.

The four cricketers from the A+ category – Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Nasir Hossain – were the first players to be offered for sale at the start of the program.

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi was the first club to call and they picked national skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, honoring him for his service last season. Nasir was roped in by defending champions Victoria Sporting Club, while dashing opener Tamim was recruited

by Brothers Union. Surprisingly, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was not particularly sought after and Abahani Limited, who had the fifth pick with Shakib still available, passed the call to Kalabagan Krira Chakra, who bagged the last A+ category player.

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi ended up with strong side on paper. Along with Mushfiqur,

the Dhanmondi based club roped in five national cricketers for the season - left arm spinners Abdur Razzaq and Elias Sunny, top order batsmen Junaid Siddique and Jahurul Islam Omi and pace bowler Shafiul Islam.

Defending champions Victoria Sporting Club came away with Anamul Haque Bijoy, Saumya Sarkar and seamer Rabiul Islam Siplu in addition to Nasir Hossain and a number of promising players from the domestic circuit.

Brothers Union put together an experienced side. Along with Tamim, Suhrawardi Shuvo, Alok Kapali, Mehrab Hossain Jr and Nafeed Iqbal are among the players claimed by the club.

Three big name clubs - Abahani Club Limited, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Gazi Tank Cricketers - ended up with what appears to be mediocre squads on paper.

Abahani successfully put together a squad of mostly upcoming cricketers, as well as national players Shahriar Nafis and Nazim Uddin. Mohammedan meanwhile roped in national seamer Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, along with Shamsur Rahman, Saqlain Sajib and Dhiman Ghosh.

The fifty-over tournament is expected to begin on September 10. The Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis wanted to start the tournament on September 3 but later had to postpone the date after the clubs demanded more time to prepare.

According to the by-laws of the tournament, the clubs will have to clear 40% of the players’ payment before the start of the tournament. Another 30% should be paid before the start of the Super League and the remaining 30% will have to be cleared within a month of the tournaments end.

DPL Squads Sheikh Jamal Mushfiqur Rahim, Abdur Razzak, Jahurul Islam Omi, Elias Sunny, Juniad Siddique, Shubhashish Roy, Tanvir Haider, Shafiul Islam, Tushar Imran, Rubayet Haque Sunan, Didar Hossain Imran, Nahid, Ashikuzzaman, Yasin Arafat, Abul Bashar, Cricket Coaching School Nazmul Hossain Milon, Nurul Hasan Shohan, Asif Rahman Ratul, Bishanath Halder, Amitabh Kumar Noyon, Amit Majumder, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Uttam Sarkar, Islamul Ahsan Abir, Subrata Sarkar, Refatuzzaman Ovi, Imamul Mustakin Rasel, Shafaq Al Zabir, Salman Hossain Emon, Victoria Sporting Nasir Hossain, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Saumya Sarkar, Maisukur Rahman, Monir Hossain, Robiul Islam Shiplu, Jubair Ahmed, Mohammed Sharif, Shaker Ahmed, Nadim, Neamul Hasan Taj, Iftekhar Sajjad Rony, Rasel Al Mamun, Lablur Rahman, Sajedul Islam,

Brothers Union Tamim Iqbal, Suhrawardi Shuvo, Sanjamul, Alok Kapali, Mehrab Hossain Jr, Nafees Iqbal, Jazim Uddin, Imtiaz Tanna, Tareq Aziz Khan, Mohammed Rahi, Victor Barua, Mohammed Ahsanul Haque, Raihan Uddin Arafat, Nazmus Sadat, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi,

Kalabagan CA Marshal Ayub, Sagir Hossain Pavel, Nazmul Hasan Opu, Md Sharifullah, Nadeef Chowdhury, Mizanur Rahman, Zakaria Masud, Abhishek Mitra, Abdul Majid, Mohammed Towhidul Islam, Mohammed Asif Hasan, Ariful Hossain Sabuj, Arman Badsha, Mohammed Nuruzzaman, Talha Jubair

Gazi Tank Cricketers Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Arafat Sunny, Naeem Islam Jr, Noor Hossain Munna, Rqibul Hasan, Hamidul Islam Himel, Rubel Hossain, Emon Ahmed, Kazi Riajul Islam Kajal, Sheikh Tariquzzaman, Anwar Hossain, Mohammad Shahid, Aftab Ahmed,

Abahani CL Liton Kumar Das, Alauddin Babu, Taposh Ghosh, Nabil Samad, Shahriar Nafis, Al Amin, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mohammed Al Amin, Rejaul Islam Rajon, Mohammed Shahajada, Mohammed Rabby, Nazim Uddin, Ifteker Naeem Ahmed, Aslam Ali,

Prime Bank Ziaur Rahman, Enamul Haque Jr, Saikat Ali, Mahmudul Limon, Taibur Rahman Parvez, Tapash Baisya, Rezaul Karim Rahib, Dollar Mahmud, Ariful Islam Sabuj, Emon Das, Golam Mahbud Chowdhury, Fariduddin Masud, Abdur Rahman Rony,

Khelaghar Faisal Hossain, Shuvagoto Hom, Arafat Salauddin, Arfiul Haque, Fazley Rabbi, Nizamuddin Ripon, Monowar Hossain, Neaz morshed Poltu, SM Zakaria, Masum Khan Tutul, Rakib Gomosta, Gazi Salauddin, Mohammed Furkan, Mohammed Azim,

Kalabagan Krira Chakra Shakib Al Hasan, Naeem Islam, Mithun Ali, Farhad Hossain, Nasiruddin Faruq, Saju Datta, Tasammul Haque, Syed Rasel, Zabid Hossain, Rokibul Hasan Rocky, Imamul Hossain, Mahbubul Karim Mithu, Shahadat Hossain Rajib,

Prime Doleshwar Sabbir Rahman, Mominul Haque, Farhard Reza, Taijul Islam, Rony Talukdar, Sohag Gazi, Robiul Islam Robi, Arman Hossain, Golam Kabir Sohel, Shafiul Alam, Mehedi Hasan Maruf, Aslam Khan, Asshraful Haque Shanto, Kazi Kamrul Islam,

Mohammedan SC Shamsur Rahman Shuvo, Saqlain Shajib, Dhuman Ghosh, Mukhtar Ali, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Murad Khan, Jupiter Ghosh, Rajin Saleh, Habibur Rahman Joni, Sayem Alam Rijvi, Shaheen Hossain, Ezaz Ahmed, Delwar Hossain l

14

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

Monday, August 26, 2013

Chelsea confirm Willian agreement n AFP, London

Chelsea announced on Sunday that they have reached an agreement to sign Brazilian attacking midfielder Willian from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, subject to the granting of a work permit.

The 25-year-old had been set to join Tottenham Hotspur, having undergone a medical at the north London club earlier this week, only for Chelsea to hijack the deal.

British media reports claim Chelsea will pay a fee of around £30 million ($47 million, 35 million euros) to secure Willian’s services.

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with both Willian and his club Anzhi Makhachkala for the transfer of the Brazilian player,” read a statement on the Chelsea website, www.chelseafc.com.

“The transfer is subject to a work permit hearing on Wednesday.”

Willian will be the fourth player to join Chelsea during the current transfer window, following Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, Dutch midfielder Marco van Ginkel and Germany international Andre Schuerrle.

His arrival will further swell the number of attacking midfielders at manager Jose Mourinho’s disposal, with Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Oscar, Victor Moses, Kevin De Bruyne and Schuerrle already competing for just three starting places.

Willian only joined Anzhi from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in January, but he is being moved on after the Russian side’s billionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov decided to restructure the club and drastically shrink their budget. l

Juventus' Carlos Tevez (R) celebrates after scoring against Sampdoria during their Italian Serie A match at the stadium in Genova on Saturday

REUTERS

Jose out to ruin Moyes home debut

Tevez and Toni steal show for Juventus and Verona

n AFP, London

n Reuters, Rome

For his first competitive home game as Manchester United manager, David Moyes could be forgiven for wishing the fixture computer had not spat out a game against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

Not only have Chelsea improved their formidable squad during the close season and started the new campaign with back-to-back wins, but in Mourinho they boast a coach who has a history of upsetting United’s best-laid plans.

It was Mourinho who led Porto to a sensational success at Old Trafford in 2004, Mourinho who momentarily knocked United off their pedestal in his first stint at Chelsea, and Mourinho who guided Real Madrid to a smashand-grab win over United in last season’s Champions League.

He was also, briefly, touted as a possible successor to Alex Ferguson as manager of the English champions, be-

fore United plumped for tradition over razzmatazz and went for the comparatively untested Moyes.

The former Everton manager saw his new side run out convincing 4-1 winners at Swansea City in their opening Premier League game last weekend, but Monday’s match is unlikely to be quite so straightforward.

Chelsea already have two wins be-

Jose Mourinho

Bayern win again n AFP, Berlin Bayern Munich earned their third straight win at the start of the season, beating Nuremberg 2-0 on Saturday, but still found themselves third in the Bundesliga on goal difference.

French winger Franck Ribery’s header on 69 minutes broke the deadlock before Dutch star Arjen Robben scored for Pep Guardiola’s European champions, who earlier had a first-half penalty saved.

The win in front of 71,000 fans at Munich’s sold-out Allianz Arena marks the start of a busy seven-day period for Bayern who are away to Freiburg in the league on Tuesday, then travel to Prague for Friday’s showdown with Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup. Guardiola started with a star-studded midfield featuring wingers Robben and Ribery either side of Spain’s Thiago Alcantara and Germany playmaker Mario Goetze, who made his competitive debut for Bayern after joining from Borussia Dortmund.

Only goal difference leaves Bayern third behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, who beat Werder Bremen 1-0

Bayern midfielder Arjen Robben (L) scores the second goal during their Bundesliga match against FC Nuremberg in Munich, southern Germany on Saturday AFP

hind them — Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa having been brought forward due to the London club’s involvement in the UEFA Super Cup — and they can move six points clear of United with a win at Old Trafford.

Moyes, though, is relishing the challenge.

“There have been a lot of things I have been looking forward to: taking

David Moyes

Match Results Bayern Munich

2-0

Nuremberg

Bayer Leverkusen

4-2

Borussia Gladbach

Hanover 96

2-1

Schalke 04

Hoffenheim

3-3

Freiburg

Mainz 05

2-0

Ribery 69, Robben 78 Kiessling 22-pen, Sam 28, 61, Castro 72 Huszti 15-pen, Diouf 42 Salihovic 10-pen, Volland 25, Strobl 77 Choupo-Moting 61, N Mueller 78

Hertha Berlin Ramos 74

1-0

Stranzl 54, Arango 57

Szalai 55

Sorg 13, Guede 29, Freis 65

VfL Wolfsburg

Hamburg

at home on Friday, and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.

Schalke, who need to win at Greece’s PAOK on Tuesday to progress to the Champions League group stage after drawing 1-1 in Wednesday’s play-off first leg, suffered another confidencesapping defeat as they lost 2-1 at Hanover 96 and finished with nine men.

The visitors had defender Benedikt Hoewedes sent off on 14 minutes for bringing down Hanover striker Mame Diouf with only the goalkeeper to beat and Hungary midfielder Szabolcs Huszti drilled home the penalty.

Diouf then headed home three minutes from the break to leave Schalke reeling before striker Adam Szalai pulled one back for Schalke in the second-half.

There was a flurry of cards in the last 15 minutes as Hanover’s Huszti was sent off for fouling Schalke’s Tim Hoogland, then Schalke left-back Christian Fuchs was dismissed five minutes from time for a second yellow card. l

the team on tour, leading them out at Wembley,” he said.

The television cameramen at Old Trafford will be primed for the slightest hint of bonhomie between Mourinho and Wayne Rooney, who has been the subject of two failed bids from Chelsea in recent weeks.

Mourinho promised not to make a third offer for the unsettled striker prior to Monday’s game, but it will undoubtedly make for the most intriguing sub-plot of the evening.

Moyes says there is a “good chance” he will hand a starting berth to his wayward number 10, who created two goals at Swansea but whose body language suggested he would have preferred to be elsewhere. However, the Scot’s options are restricted by injuries to three of his attacking players.

Wingers Ashley Young (ankle) and Nani (groin) and striker Javier Hernandez (hamstring) are all set to miss the game, along with right-back Rafael da Silva, who damaged his hamstring in the Community Shield.l

A debut double from 36-year-old Luca Toni gave Hellas Verona a surprise 2-1 triumph over AC Milan on Saturday while new signing Carlos Tevez was on target as champions Juventus won 1-0 at Sampdoria.

Match Results Hellas Verona

2-1

Sampdoria

0-1

Luca Toni (30, 53)

AC Milan

Andrea Poli (14)

Juventus

Carlos Tevez (58)

Trademark headers from former Italian international Toni in the 29th and 53rd minutes gave promoted Verona victory in their first Serie A match for 11 years, the opening league game of the season.

Milan produced a disappointing display despite taking a 14th minute lead through Andrea Poli who was also

making his debut.

The win brought delight to the fans at the Stadio Bentigodi who have had to suffer for more than a decade in the second and third tiers of Italian soccer while their smaller local rivals Chievo Verona flourished in Serie A. Tevez’s goal on his first league appearance since leaving Manchester City was enough to start Juve’s bid for a third straight Serie A title with victory over Sampdoria in monsoon conditions in Genoa later in the day.

The unmarked Argentine was on hand to tap into an empty net after Paul Pogba had taken Arturo Vidal’s superb through ball and rolled a pass across to Tevez.

Sampdoria were reduced to 10 men in the final minute when substitute Paolo Castellini was sent off for a reckless sliding challenge on Lichtsteiner.

After the mayor of Verona said on Friday that Balotelli brought abuse on himself, the home side’s notorious supporters chose to ironically applaud the player and chant his name instead. l

Lyon slip up in rain as OM win again n AFP, Paris

Marseille continued their excellent start to the Ligue 1 season on Saturday with a hard-earned win at Valenciennes, but Lyon completed a miserable week by suffering a shock home loss to Reims.

A late goal from Andre-Pierre Gignac gave OM a 1-0 win in France’s far north before Lyon lost to Reims by the same scoreline at the Stade de Gerland in a game interrupted for more than half an hour by torrential rain and which saw the hosts miss a second-half penalty.

Gignac turned in the loose ball with just five minutes remaining after Valenciennes goalkeeper Nicolas Penneteau had failed to hold Andre Ayew’s header on Saturday afternoon.

Lyon could have gone back to the top on goal difference if they had beaten Reims, but Remi Garde’s side endured another nightmare evening at the Stade de Gerland.

Saint-Etienne go to Lille and Ajaccio host Nice on Sunday. l

Match Results Valenciennes

0-1

Lyon

0-1

Montpellier

2-1

Hilton 45+1, Tiene 90+4

Marseille

Gignac 85

Reims

Fortes 76

Sochaux

Contout 43

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge (L) goes around Aston Villa's Brad Guzan to score during their EPL match at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday REUTERS

Sturridge keeps scoring as Liverpool keep winning n AFP, London Daniel Sturridge was Liverpool’s matchwinner for the second successive weekend as they continued their strong start to the Premier League season by winning 1-0 at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Just as he did against Stoke City last Saturday, the England international scored the only goal of the game to make it eight strikes in his last seven league appearances.

Jose Enrique’s drilled pass from the left was dummied by Philippe Coutinho and Sturridge slipped between a pair of Villa defenders before rounding goalkeeper Brad Guzan and poking the ball into the roof of the net.

Villa’s best chance of an equaliser

Match Results Aston Villa

0-1

Everton

0-0 1-0

Hull

Brady 22-pen

Liverpool

Sturridge 21

West Brom Norwich

Southampton

0-0 1-1

Sunderland

Stoke

2-1

Crystal Palace

Newcastle Fonte 88

Adam 58, Shawcross 62

West Ham Giaccherini 3 Chamakh 31

fell to Christian Benteke late on, but the Belgian’s well-struck half-volley drew a fine full-length save from Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Elsewhere, Stoke came from behind to deny promoted Crystal Palace their first points of the season with a 2-1 win.l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Quick Bytes

BFF chief approves new amendments

Bangladesh Football Federation reinstated the bar of its executive committee members’ access in the field during the Bangladesh Premier League matches of the next season in an executive committee meeting yesterday. The meeting presided over

by BFF president Kazi Salahuddin approved all the new amendments of the Bangladesh Premier League by-laws and decided that the club officials’ number will be nine instead of seven from last year. However, BFF did not move out of its stance regarding the entrance of the BFF executive committee members in the field during the matches of the Bangladesh Premier League. In a major development BFF also removed the ban imposed on former Rahmatganj media manager Salahuddin Kala. Kala and Rahmatganj goalkeeper Iran Sheikh were banned from all football activities for three and two years respectively in 2011. Both the players were suspended by BFF for their involvement in a fixed match with Sheikh Jamal who won the league title.

–RM

Sport

Broad keeps England in contention of Aussie annihilation n AFP, London Australia set England a target of 227 to win the fifth Ashes Test after declaring their second innings on 111 for six at tea on Sunday’s final day at The Oval.

Australia, desperate for a first win in nine Tests, left England -- who’d already retained the Ashes and won the series at 3-0 up -- a minimum of 44 overs in which to score their runs.

Michael Clarke, the Australia captain, called a halt when he was 28 not

out and Mitchell Starc 13 not out, both batsmen having scored at a run-a-ball as the tourists altered their order in search of quick runs.

Stuart Broad took four wickets for 43 runs in 10 overs, the paceman having previously stunned Australia during England’s 74-run fourth Test win in Durham with a match-winning burst of six for 20 in 45 balls.

Australia sent Shane Watson, fresh from his Test-best 176 in the first innings, back up to open alongside left-

hander David Warner instead of the more staid Chris Rogers.

Watson should have been out for nought when he chipped James Anderson to mid-off only for Broad to drop the seemingly simple catch.

Anderson showed Broad how it should be done, holding a one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss David Warner for 12.

And 34 for one became 44 for two when Watson (26) was caught at longon by Kevin Pietersen as he tried to

Women’s cricket camp starts The national women’s cricket camp ahead of the South African tour began at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday. However, 10 of the cricketers and coach Oshadi Weerasinghe were absent on the opening day.

The Tigresses are scheduled to travel to South Africa in September for a 16-day during which they will play three ODIs and three Twenty20 internationals against the host country.

National skipper Salma Khatun said she was looking for good preparation at the camp. The last time Bangladesh faced South Africa was in Dhaka, where the home sided was defeated in a tightly contested ODI series.

– MUK

Leaders stay atop in women’s chess Nazrana Khan Eva, Shamiha Sharmin Shimmi and Mahmuda Hoque Chowdhury Moly, the leaders at the end of the 5th round, continued their winning ways in the 6th round and shared the lead with 5 points each in the 34th National Women Chess Championship yesterday. WFM Zakia Sultana, Dilara Jahan Nupur, Jahanara Haque Runu, Kishwara Sjarin Evana and Hamida Rahman are sharing 2nd position with 4.5 points each. In the 6th round: Eva drew with Moly, Shimmi drew with Zakia, Nupur beat Zaharul Zannat Zisha, Evana beat Sumaiya Khondokar, Runu beat Tanzina Akter Tani, Hamida beat Saba Shukannya, Prativa beat Farhana Fatema Tanu and Munia beat Arni Shanga Roy. -RM

Salam to attend BD convention in Miami Former national footballer Abdus Salam will attend the Bangladesh Convention in Miami organised by Bangladesh Cultural Association, from August 30 to September 1. Salam, who was also an assistant coach to than coach and current BFF president Kazi Salahuddin in 1994, will be accompanied by his wife.

The will fly to USA today.

-RM

Gonzalez stops Mares to regain WBC title Jhonny Gonzalez defeated previously unbeaten champion Abner Mares in the first round to regain the World Boxing Council featherweight title in shocking fashion on Saturday.

Gonzalez was awarded a TKO victory after nailing Mares with a devastating left hook that floored the champion.

Mares got up and continued to fight on the ropes but was knocked down again by a flurry of punches from Gonzalez. The referee stopped the fight at 2:55 of the opening round.

– AFP

England's Stuart Broad (L) celebrates after dismissing Australia's Ryan Harris during the fifth Ashes cricket test match at the Oval cricket ground, London yesterday REUTERS

Serena favored but Azarenka threatens n AFP, New York World number one Serena Williams enters the US Open as a heavy favorite to defend her title, but second-ranked Victoria Azarenka leads a host of rivals looking to dethrone her.

Williams is seeking her 17th Grand Slam singles crown and fifth US Open title, which would move her one shy of Chris Evert’s Open-era record for most titles at the year’s final major event on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts.

“I’m definitely prepared. I’m definitely ready for New York,” Williams said. “I definitely had more matches than I could want, but I’m definitely prepared for the US Open.”

The 31-year-old American has been on an amazing run over the past 14 months, going 77-4 and capturing last year’s Wimbledon, London Olympic and US Open titles, plus this year’s French Open crown.

But two of those defeats came at the hands of Azarenka, in February’s Doha final and last Sunday at the WTA final in Cincinnati by a score of 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8/6).

“It’s just always good to play such great players like Victoria who really plays well and makes me lift my game to a new level,” Williams said.

It was only the third victory for the 24-year-old from Belarus over the American but with the two having

won five of the past seven Grand Slam titles, it sets the stage for a potential rematch of last year’s US Open final.

Williams beat Azarenka 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 in last year’s US Open final but the effort in defeat resonates with Azarenka to this day.

“It will always be a special moment, for sure, because I felt like that whole tournament, that final match left a big mark on my future career,” Azarenka

Last 5 US Open women’s champions 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

Serena Williams (USA) Samantha Stosur (AUS) Kim Clijsters (BEL) Kim Clijsters (BEL) Serena Williams (USA)

said. “I still feel that way.”

Williams sees no influence from prior meetings in a potential New York final with Azarenka again this year.

“It would be totally different circumstances,” Williams said. “It’s just a new event. You just got to go in there with a fresh mind.”

Williams will go into the Open without a win streak such as she had the past few Grand Slam events.

Williams also finds herself in a cordial rivalry, appreciating Azarenka off the court as a friend and on the court as an adversary. l

launch off-spinner Graeme Swann for six. Meanwhile, Australia continued to mix-up their order.

Test debutant James Faulkner, who’d earlier taken four wickets for 51 runs, and Brad Haddin were at the crease.

Haddin, however, fell for a first-ball duck caught behind by opposing wicketkeeper Matt Prior off Broad.

It was now that star batsman Clarke came in.

Faulkner, reprieved on four when Prior missed a tough stumping chance off Swann, drove the spinner high over long-on for six.

But his run-a-ball 22 ended when he he was caught behind trying to run Broad down to third man.

Steven Smith, who made 138 not out in the first innings -- his maiden Test century -- then holed out off Broad before the seamer bowled Ryan Harris for a spell of four for 17 in 22 balls.

Earlier, England avoided the followon as they made 377 in reply to Australia’s first innings 492 for nine declared, a deficit of 115 runs.

Ian Bell made 45, Prior a series-best 47 and Swann a rapid 34, the trio all falling to left-arm quick Faulkner, whose burst of three wickets for two runs in 17 balls Sunday ended the innings.

Meanwhile Haddin’s three catches in the innings saw him equal the world record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a Test series of 28 set by Australia great Rodney Marsh, now a selector, against England in 1982/83.

After Saturday’s fourth day had been washed out without a ball bowled, England resumed on 247 for four and needing 46 more to avoid the followon, with Bell 29 not out. l

GPIT, MTB register nervy wins n Reazur Rahman Rohan Bitopi, HRC, Mutual Trust Bank, GPIT, Unilever and Swiss Contact registered wins in their respective group matches of the 8th Ascent 5-ASide Soccer Cup at STM Hall, Scholastica yesterday.

Unilever received a walk-over from their Group A opponents Olympic Industries which took them to the Plate Championships of the event. Earlier, Unilever lost their opening game to group champions and holders of the prestigious event Beximco Pharma.

In a bid to secure a place in the Plate category, GPIT edged past Grey Dhaka in their last Group D match. The game was heading for a draw with the score locked at 2-2, but a fierce strike from a direct-corner by Mohammad Kabir Rana in the dying minutes earned the IT firm their first win, 3-2, in the tournament and in the process carrying them to the Plate round.

The big scoelines of the day belonged to Bitopi and HRC as they thrashed Concito PR 5-0 and Aarong 6-1 rspectively.

Meanwhile, Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) won a closely contested match against their Group B rivals General Electric.

Earlier, both MTB and General Electric suffered painful defeats in their opening games respectively at the hands of last year runners-up Gemcon and it was all about securing a place in the Plate round. The bank won the match 3-2 to finish second in the group while General Electric lost all matches and will compete in the Bowl category.

In the last game of the third day, Swiss Contact registered an easy 3-0 win over ULAB. l

Rejuvenated Nadal, Djokovic target Murray’s US crown n AFP, New York Once the hunter, now the hunted, Andy Murray is braced for an allout assault on his US Open title from rejuvenated Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic.

Murray ended Britain’s 76-year wait for a Grand Slam men’s champion by triumphing in New York in 2012 and backed it up with his historic Wimbledon victory this year, the first by a British man since Fred Perry in 1936.

The Scot beat Djokovic to win the US Open 12 months ago and repeated the dose against the Serb at the All England Club six weeks ago.

But it is Nadal, rather than Djokovic, who is tipped to win a second title in New York, to add to his 2010 victory, and clinch a 13th career major.

The 27-year-old Spaniard missed the 2012 tournament as he rested his troublesome knees, part of a seven-month injury lay-off which stretched from the second round at Wimbledon to Vina del Mar in Chile in February.

Since his return, Nadal has racked up nine titles, including five Masters, and boasts a win-loss record of 53-3.

His only blip was a first round trauma at Wimbledon, his bittersweet relationship with grass courts rekindled far too quickly after the

Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland on stage during the ATP Heritage Celebration at The Waldorf Astoria on Friday AFP draining march to an eighth French Open just two weeks earlier. Nadal’s title in Cincinnati followed victory in Montreal — the last man to clinch that Masters double was Andy Roddick in 2003 who also went on to claim the US Open.

“Last year I watched this event on the TV. This year I have the chance to be here. That’s great. All of that is fantastic for me,” said Nadal, who boasts a 16-0 record on hard courts in 2013.

“It’s been great this year, but it’s no time to think about what happened.

Now I have a chance to compete with the right attitude. I can lose, I can win.”

Last 5 US Open men’s singles winners 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

Andy Murray (GBR) Novak Djokovic (SRB) Rafael Nadal (ESP) Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) Roger Federer (SUI)

Nadal, who faces American wildcard Ryan Harrison in the first round, has supplanted Murray as world number two since Cincinnati after finding himself relegated to five when he reappeared in Chile. l

Vettel storms to victory, extends lead in title race n AFP, Belgium

Day’s Watch Star Sports 4:00pm 2013 Asia Cup Men’s Hockey LIVE Bangladesh v Oman 12:45am Barclays Premier League 2013/2014 LIVE Manchester United v Chelsea ESPN HD 1:00am Spain - Liga Bbva LIVE Granada v Real Madrid Ten Sports and HD 9:00pm US Open 2013: Men’s & Women’s 1st Round

15

Monday, August 26, 2013

Red Bull Racing's German driver Sebastian Vettel celebrates on the podium at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa yesterday after the Belgium Formula One Grand Prix AFP

Sebastian Vettel delivered a crushing blow to his title rivals on Sunday when he increased his lead in the drivers’ championship with a consummate triumph for Red Bull in the Belgian Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old German took the lead from pole-man Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap and then pulled clear to claim his fifth win of the year and the 31st of his career, pulling him level with Briton Nigel Mansell.

With eight races remaining, Vettel’s win was an emphatic riposte to Hamilton’s speed and recent form, and his maiden victory for Mercedes in Hungary.

Starting from the 31st pole of his career and his fourth in succession, Hamilton made a clean departure from the grid to lead through La Source hairpin and down through Eau Rouge.

But Vettel, showing the speed of his Red Bull car uphill through Radillon, was able to glide past the Mercedes on

the long run down to Malmedy.

Behind the two leaders, Alonso made a typically excellent start from ninth and climbed to fifth as Webber, from third, slipped back to sixth. It was the first time in five years that the Spaniard had survived being hit by a rival on the opening lap.

Once Button pitted Alonso moved into second and with Hamilton in third the status quo for the podium places remained unchanged.

Vettel’s win, his second in Belgium, lifted him to a total of 197 points while Alonso climbed back to second on 151 with Hamilton third on 139. In the constructors championship Red Bull lead with 312 points ahead of Mercedes on 235.

“It was a fantastic race for us from start to finish,” said Vettel.

“It was very good tactics and it helped to get past Lewis on the first lap.

“I feel good, winning helps, the car was much better going into the race so we had the pace to control it”. l

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

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Monday, August 26, 2013

Arefin Siddique reappointed DU vice-chancellor n Tribune Report

Kuakata beach left damaged by tidal surge n Anisur Rahman Swapan, Barisal

Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique has been reappointed as the vice-chancellor of Dhaka University for the next four years.

The education ministry issued a circular in this regard yesterday.

Pro VC Prof Nasrin Ahmed said: “Abdul Hamid, president of the country and chancellor of the university, reassigned Arefin Siddique on Saturday night.”

Earlier on Saturday, Dhaka University senate members formed a three-member VC election panel, comprising of VC AAMS Arefin Siddique, Pro VC (education) Nasrin Ahmed and Pro VC (admin) Shahid Akthar Hossain, at a special session of the senate members, held at the Nabab Nowab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building around 3pm.

Some 36 members among 50 were present at the special session. Dean of the faculty of Social Science Farid Uddin Ahmed submitted the names which were supported by ASM Maksud Kamal, dean of earth and environment department.

The poll was held amid protest and boycott by BNP backed White panel senate members. The agitated teachers of the White Panel staged a sit-in in front of the Senate Building during the session.

They said 55 posts of the senate members out of 105 were vacant and according to the DU Ordinance 1973, the senate would be consisted of its all 105 members and all of them would have to participate in the VC panel election.

Earlier, a writ petition was submitted on Thursday by former pro VCs of the university AFM Yousuf Haidar, Prof Abdul Aziz and journalist Mahfuzullah with the High Court, challenging the legitimacy of the special session. l

An area of at least 100 metres along the panoramic sea beach of Kuakata in Patuakhali has been washed away by tidal surges in last four days.

The tidal surges caused heavy damage to trees and other establishments of the prime tourist destination and continue to engulf various areas of Kalapara upazila under Patuakhali district.

Three ferry-crossing points on the Andharmanik River at the Baliatali point of Kalapara-Kuakata alternative road have gone under water. Road transport is also under risk

The Kuakata beach lies battered after tidal surge caused by the recent cyclone

DHAKA TRIBUNE

BTRC to offer LTE with 3G

DU VC appointment Deadline for depositing $20m bidding money extended up to August 29 standard. At the same time, the LTE the option for LTE service for operators days as the operators did not want to faces challenge n Muhammad Zahidul Islam handsets are problematic,” chief tech- showing interest without taking a sep- deposit the money before unsettled issues were settled.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication nology officer of a mobile operator told arate licence for it.

Nazmus Sakib n “Extension of the deadline was reThe BTRC chairman said he had Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will of- the Dhaka Tribune.

Three senate candidates of Dhaka University – who filed a writ questioning a special senate meeting – are set to challenge the legality of appointment of newly elected Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique.

Belayet Hossain, a lawyer of the petitioners, said they would challenge the appointment on Monday (today), lodging a supplementary affidavit with the High Court.

He said the HC Bench of Justice Md. Habibul Gani and Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar would hear the matter today.

DU former Pro VC AFM Yusuf Haider, Prof Abdul Aziz and Mahfuz Ullah, the secretary general of Center for Sustainable Development, on Thursday lodged the writ disputing the Dhaka University authority’s decision to hold a ‘special senate meeting’ that would elect a three-member panel for consideration of the President for appointment of the vice-chancellor.

The senate members on Saturday proposed Arefin and two others, and the same day President Abdul Hamid nominated Arefin for acting as VC for four years.

Jashim Uddin Sarker, a lawyer of the petitioners and central law secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami, said 55 posts of senate members, out of 105, were vacant.

While the election for nominating 25 senate members from the registered DU graduates is set to be held on September 14, 19 and 28, holding a special senate meeting was against the Dhaka University Order, 1973, he added. l

Body found hanging from electric fence at border n Our Correspondent, Satkhira The body of a Bangladeshi was found hanging from an electric fence at the Indian border in the Bykari border of Satkhira. The deceased was identified as Babu Mia, 35, son of Abdul Majid, of Ashashuni upazila of Satkhira.

Members of Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) of the Kyjuri camp of India rescued his dead body around 8am yesterday. The members of BSF said he was electrocuted on the electric fence while he was going to India illegally.

Operation Officer of 38 BGB of Satkhira Major Majhar said the body will be taken back from the BSF through a flag meeting at 12pm.

The family of the deceased however, alleged that members of BSF beat him up and hung his body on the electric fence while he was returning home after taking medical treatment from India. l

fer long-term evolution (LTE), a fourth generation (4G) broadband communication standard, to mobile operators with the upcoming 3G services.

“We have the ecosystem, and operators can take the technological neutrality to offer the LTE services with 3G,” BTRC Chairman Sunil Kanti Bose yesterday told a meeting with the Telecom Reporters Network, Bangladesh at his office.

He said the LTE should be a demand and the operators needed to take preparations about it when they would sit for the spectrum auction.

However, the mobile operators disagree with the chairman’s comment.

“To launch the LTE in a proper way we need at least 10megahartz [MHz] spectrum but there is not enough. We can provide the same services in 3G

If the LTE is launched in Bangladesh, it will be the third LTE-providing country in the sub-continent after Sri Lanka and India.

The 4G technologies are designed to provide IP-based voice, data and multimedia streaming at speeds of at least 100Mbit per second and as high as 1Gbit per second. The LTE is one of the several competing 4G standards alongside Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and WiMax. The regulator enacted a guideline named “Cellular Mobile Phone Services (3G/4G/LTE) Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines 2012” and the licences issued through the guidelines are to be labelled as “Cellular Mobile Phone Services (3G/4G/LTE) Operator Licence.”

In the guideline, the BTRC has kept

taken the decision to make the forthcoming auction for 3G spectrum more attractive to the operators.

The BTRC says operators could run the LTE service in 800MHz, 900MHz and 1,800MHz bands but will have to take permission from the regulator.

“The operators should buy more spectrum in the 3G auction to offer the LTE service to its subscribers as 5MHz would not be enough for the service,” Sunil observed.

Market sources say LTE-enabled handsets are not yet available in the market, so offering the service will be very challenging.

Meanwhile, with just one day left before the deadline for depositing earnest money for the September 8 3G auction ends, the BTRC yesterday extended the deadline by three more

quired as the National Board of Revenue is yet to finalise the report on the SIM replacement issue,” Sunil said.

He said the other schedules of the auction would, however, remain unchanged.

Earlier in the day, Grameenphone CEO Vivek Sood, Banglalink CEO Ziad Shatara, Airtel CEO Chris Tobit and Robi Chief Financial Officer Mahtab Uddin Ahmed met with the BTRC chairman.

Mahtab later told the Dhaka Tribune that the regulator had to resolve the SIM replacement tax and amortisation issue first, and then they would decide about depositing the earnest money.

Meanwhile, Citycell sources said they were fully prepared to deposit the earnest money on the date. l

The situation may deteriorate further if the tides continue like this, said Hasanul Huq Iqbal, spokesperson of the Kuakata Investors Forum.

Hundreds of houses and other establishments- including fish brewer ponds outside the flood protection embankments in Kalapara town and surrounding areas- have been inundated with the overflow of the Andharmanik River, said SM Kalapara Municipal Mayor Rakibul Ahsan.

Three ferry-crossing points on the Andharmanik River at the Baliatali point of Kalapara-Kuakata alternative road have gone under water. Road transport is also under risk, Sultan Mahmud, Kalapara upazila vice-chairman said.

Vast areas of at least 30 villages under Lalua, Tiakhali and Mohipur unions of the upazila have been eroded away by the surge.

The inhabitants of the area are passing days in miserable conditions, as they are unable to cook food as their kitchens also went under water, said Lalua Union Parishad Chairman Mir Tarikuzzaman Tara.

The Nachna Para Bangabandhu Colony of Tiakhali union parishad, Kalapara has been disconnected from other parts of the upazila as the roads connecting to it went under water, said Sobhan Biswas, member of the UP. Prodip Kumar, person-in-charge of Kalapara weather radar station, said water levels had increased in the river as a result of heavy monsoon and low depressions in the bay due to Tuesday’s full moon.

It will take three to four days for the situation to change, he added.

Officials of the upazila administration and Bangladesh Water Development Board, Kalapara circle, said they were monitoring the situation. l

GB Commission report submitted

Child rights bodies seem nonchalant about Oishee and Sumi’s remand

n Asif Showkat Kallol

n Muktasree Chakma Sathi

Finance minister AMA Muhith yesterday said the Grameen Bank Commission had submitted its report on the pioneering microcredit body on Wednesday.

“One of the commission members, barrister Ajmalul Hossain QC, turned the report in,” Muhith told reporters.

“We are now examining the report; whether it is the commission’s report or personal opinions of Ajmalul Hossain QC,” he said before heading to the “hard-core loan committee” meeting at the finance ministry.

He also said they would “clear the matter” within two days and then it would be published in the finance ministry website within a short time.

In reply to a question Muhith said the report addressed mainly the legal issues of the bank and 52 other organisations bearing Grameen tags.

Sources in the finance ministry, however, told the Dhaka Tribune the report submitted was only a part of the commission’s original report.

Before Eid vacation, commission Chairman Mamun-ur-Rashid told the Dhaka Tribune the commission would recommend changing the legal structure of Grameen Bank and 52 other organisations, which which bear Grameen tags.

A UK based law firm has expressed interest to assist the government to change the legal status of Grameen Bank and its associates free of cost as “pro bono publico,” as the bank is a Nobel Prize winner organisation, Mamunur-Rashid said.

“We have already sent the letters of the UK-based law firm to the Prime

Minister Sheikh Hasina and Finance Minister AMA Muhith,” he said.

Mamun-ur-Rashid also said the commission would recommend three options for the government to bring changes to the legal structure of the Grameen Bank.

Finance minister says issues to be ‘cleared’ in two days and then published in the ministry’s website “These include increasing the government share to 51% from the existing 25% and splitting the microcredit entity into 19 separate bodies or zones, or modifying it to model of Palli Bidyut Samity which is under Rural Electrification Board,” he said.

“Regional directors and chairmen control the regional Palli Bidyut Samity. That model could empower the women of Grameen Bank,” Mamun-urRashid said.

The tenure of the GB commission, set up in last May, expired on June 30, after which it got three extensions. It submitted an interim report to the ministry in February.

The four-member Commission, headed by former bureaucrat Mamunur Rashid, was charged with reviewing the purposes, legal status and operations of Grameen Bank and 52 other organisations bearing Grameen tags.

Other members of the commission were: barrister Ajmalul Hossain QC, Mosleh Uddin Ahmed FCA and Director General of Planning and Development Academy MA Kamal. l

No child rights bodies in the country, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), have yet taken any effective initiative to challenge the remand order for Oishee and Sumi – apart from criticising the decision.

They said the remand had been granted in a flawed way violating child rights, but they could not take any step as there had been confusion about the age of Oishee Rahman, daughter of the slain Special Branch inspector Mahfuzur Rahman.

The child rights organisations are also in the dark as to which of the laws – the Children Act 1974 or its amended version of 2013 – should be considered to deal with her case.

The Children Act 1974 defined a child as a person aged up to 16 years.

The amended law, which came into effect on August 21, defines a person under 18 years as a child in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Children.

“We were confused about what to do, but we have been discussing the matter since the day Oishee was taken in remand,” said Md Emranul Huq Chowdhury, chairman of Bangladesh Shishu Odhikar Forum (child rights forum).

“The debate over Oishee’s age and the confusion about which children act is in effect in the country at present prevented us from taking any measure,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.

However, when it was pointed out that there was no debate over the age of Sumi, domestic help at Oishee’s house, Emran said they would issue a state-

ment “expressing concern regarding her very soon.”

SB inspector Mahfuzur Rahman, 48, and his wife Swapna Rahman, 40, were found dead in their Chamelibagh flat on August 16. Oishee, an O level student who had been missing since August 16, surrendered to Paltan police the next day and was taken to the office of the Detective Branch of police. The DB also detained domestic help Sumi Begum, 10, and Oishee’s boyfriend Mizanur Rahman Rony, 25.

Police several times said Oishee was 16 years old, but in the remand forwarding plea they said she was 18. Her school record says she was born on August 17, 1996 On August 18, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mizanur Rahman placed the three on five days’ police remand in connection with their alleged involvement in the murder.

On August 19, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Mizanur Rahman told the bdnews24.com that placing Oishee and Sumi on remand had been a violation of child rights.

Commission member Kazi Reazul Haque on Saturday told the Dhaka Tribune: “As far as I know the commission is yet to take any step regarding Oishee and Sumi…We need interpretations [of the child act] from legal experts since there is a complication regarding this particular case.

“Since the 1974 act was in effect when the murder took place, we need to know from legal experts whether or

not Oishee should be treated as a child.”

Since the murder police on several occasions have mentioned Oishee’s age as 16 years and Sumi’s 10. But in the remand forwarding application they wrote Oishee was 18 years old and Sumi 15.

According to records at Oishee’s school, she was born on August 17, 1996.

In the remand forwarding plea the police said Oishee had killed her parents with the help of her drug-addict friends and domestic help Sumi. After five days of remand, however, they told the media that Oishee had given confusing statements about the murders during the remand.

Meanwhile, Moshiur Rahman Rubel, brother of the slain SB officer, told reporters that he did not believed in Oishee’s involvement with the gruesome killing – “there might be another mystery behind it.”

Advocate Salma Ali, executive director of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association, told the Dhaka Tribune that her organisation was likely to pray for bail for the two minors.

“We are trying to fix the flaws we have made. Both of them were supposed to get counselling, a probation officer and care [as per the Children Act 2013]. They did not receive anything,” Salma said.

According to the Children Act 2013, any child accused or convicted of any offence is termed a “child in conflict with the law.” Such children will have to be tried in juvenile courts.

After the remand period ended, Oishee and Sumi were sent to Gazipur Juvenile Development and Correctional Centre on Saturday. l

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed at Romask Limited, 184, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1215. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207.

Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com

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Business

B2 Software export crosses $100m in FY13

B3 Works on Cox’s Bazar

mega project to start soon

monday, August 26, 2013

Business www.dhakatribune.com/business

Banks asked to increase agro and SME loans as credit falls n Tribune Report Amid private sector credit fall, Bangladesh Bank advised the commercial banks to give an enhanced focus on agricultural and SME sector credit in an attempt to improve the situation.

The advice came at a meeting between the central bank and the chief executives of the scheduled banks in Dhaka yesterday.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman chaired the meeting.

Big borrowers are not taking loans now, resulting in credit fall and in this situation, the banks have been advised to increase credit flow to the SME and agricultural sectors, said President of Association of Bankers Bangladesh (ABB) Nurul Amin.

Despite having excess liquidity in the banks, the investors have chosen to stay out of borrowing fearing political turmoil ahead of upcoming general election.

“Banking business was not good in last six months,” observed Nurul Amin, adding that there is be no chance of liquidity crisis in the banking sector in next six months.

At the meeting, the bankers discussed ways to deal with possible political instability in next six months when there might be an interim government followed by a new elected government.

Bangladesh Bank’s Deputy Governor SK Sur Chowdhury identified poor infrastructures, slow investment, political turmoil and

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman addresses at a meeting with chief executives of scheduled banks yesterday in the central bank headquarters in Dhaka banks’ loan scams as holding back investors to take loans.

“If necessary, Bangladesh Bank will come up with policy to improve the situation,” he said.

The banks were asked to provide recommendations to increase private sector credit.

Besides, the central bank asked the banks to lower spread as the most of the banks crossed 5% in deference between deposit and lending interest rates.

Bangladesh Bank has an instruction to the

banks to keep spread below 5%.

But in last month, the central bank observed that most of the banks crossed the limit as the interest rate of deposit declined when loan interest rate remained higher.

“The higher loan interest rate against lower deposit rate resulted in raising spread,” said SK Sur Chowdhury.

Bangladesh Bank has already warned 26 banks through letters against their higher spread, he informed. l

BASIC Bank to regain financial health: Atiur n Jebun Nesa Alo Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman yesterday expressed the hope that BASIC Bank would soon recover its financial health under a memorandum of understanding signed recently to bring the bank under the central bank’s direct monitoring.

“The bank will recover its previous status soon,” he told a meeting with the chief executives of commercial banks at Bangladesh Bank headquarters in Dhaka. The meeting discussed about the recent financial scams in the banking sector of the country.

Atiur said Bangladesh Bank recently strengthened its surveillance on risk management and internal control system of the banks. As a result, classified loans of the banks reduced in June.

Net classified loans decreased significantly in the last quarter and provisioning deficit also declined while financial foundation became strong, he said. Banks have overcome the provision and capital shortfalls as the government also came forward to meet the capital deficit of the state-owned banks.

The governor warned bankers, specially the managing directors of state-owned banks, to stay away from the credit scandals.

“To prevent the scandals in the banking sector, Bangladesh Bank increased its monitoring. As a result provisioning shortfall declined to Tk20bn from Tk90bn in the last quarter,’’ said Bangladesh Bank DMD SK Sur Chowdhury.

The government is set to inject Tk50bn into four state-owned commercial banks to make up for the significant capital shortfall. l

Private sector credit growth suffers major setback n Jebun Nesa Alo The private sector credit growth declined by almost half in the first 11 months of last fiscal year as political instability hurt the country’s investment environment.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, the credit growth came down to 9% in July-May period of last fiscal year from nearly 17% in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

“Credit growth witnessed slow growth due to reduced domestic demand,’’ said Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman.

“There is no problem in the supply side of credit, however.”

“Banks have to encourage the entrepreneurs for long term investment subject to following proper rules and help them get loan without any hassle,” he said.

The net credit flow to the private sector during the period was Tk4.4tn compared to

about Tk4tn in the same of period of previous fiscal year, figures show.

“The private sector credit growth saw massive decline because of absence of a vibrant investment climate,” said a senior executive of a private commercial bank.

He added that business people were not willing to expand their investment amid political turmoil.

Of the total domestic credit, the growth to the government sector was 11.5% while in other public sectors, the growth was registered around 49%.

The private sector credit growth year-onyear fell to 12.7% at the end of March 2013 from 16.6% at the end of December 2012.

In the last few months, the import of industrial raw materials and capital machinery also declined heavily, suggesting the sluggish investment situation.

“Apart from political and energy crises,

there are also some other accompanying factors pulling down the investment rate,” said Nurul Amin, Managing Director of National Credit and Commerce Bank Ltd. He identified big loan forgeries and labour unrest in the garment sector as reasons slowing down the country’s private sector investment.

The central bank figures showed the advance-deposit ratio (ADR) continued to shrink in the last few months when the yearon-year growth rate of deposit at the end of third quarter of last fiscal remained higher than that of advances. The advance-deposit ratio was far below the ceiling.

As of March, the ADR in the banking sector declined to 75% from over 76.6% till December 2012. The ADR was 80.3% as of June 2012.

The data till March showed the ADR of the state-owned commercial banks was ADR 68.2%, specialised banks 78.5%, pri-

vate commercial banks78% and the foreign banks 66.8%. During July-March of FY13, the bank advances for agricultural purposeswere Tk613bn, industrial purposes Tk2.4bn, working capital purposes Tk1.6bn and for the construction purposes Tk278bn.

The decline in credit growth in the private sector is being attributed mainly to the spates of political turmoil, gas and electricity shortage in the industrial units, and high interest rate on lending, though the banks are awash with excess liquidity.

Excess funds in banks were reported standing at around Tk730bn in June compared to Tk130bn in June last year.

As of March, the BB data showed the excess liquidity of the state-owned commercial banks reached Tk170bn, the specialised banks Tk5.67bn, the private commercial banks (other than Islamic banks) Tk329bn and the private Islamic banks Tk76.77bn. l

Business Software export crosses $100m in FY13

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

monday, August 26, 2013

n Muhammad Zahidul Islam Bangladesh earned a record $100m in software exports in the last fiscal year, said the industry insiders referring to the Export Promotion Bureau data.

The software is a recent booming industry in Bangladesh and enjoying rises in export volume every year.

“We have just crossed $100m mark in export. But the industry has the potential to make the figure $1bn, and we are looking for that achievement” Fahim Mashroor, President of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) told the Dhaka Tribune.

According to the BASIS statistics, the software products export of the country totalled $101.7m in FY2012-13 while it was $70.8m in the previous year. However, the target was $85.7m.

The country’s software export is registering above 40% growth over last couple of years.

“The software (export) has been growing from 40-50% for last few years. But we want to achieve 100% or even more growth,” said Fahim Mashroor.

In the first seven months of last fiscal, the software export stood at around $60m and within 11 months the figure reached $92.3m.

“It suggests the export is very consistent in making growth. We want now to speed up the industry’s working force,” said BASIS President.

He informed the freelancers exported IT

products worth around $25m which remain out of official records.

According to him, the country has more than 20,000 active freelancers working at home and making contribution to the foreign currency earning.

Currently, a number of 15,000-20,000 people are working in the sector. But the growing industry requires more manpower, Fahim Mashroor.

He said the country still needs to import software products which could be produced in the country.

“We imported $2m software products in last fiscal. But it can be reduced to zero,” said BASIS leader, who is also a leading entrepreneur in the sector.

Former BASIS chief Mahbub Zaman said the government needs to set a plan to further develop the sector facilitate foreign curren-

cy earning by the sector in larger amounts.

“The government should make a 3-5 year master plan taking support from media and trade bodies. Nothing is impossible,” he said.

Mahbub Zaman appreciated Bangladesh Bank for changing some rules that helped the industry go forward.

He informed attempts have been being made to bring PayPal service to Bangladesh for online payment. “If that is possible, the export figure would jump.”

Mahabub Zaman identified lack of branding of Bangladeshi products and shortages of human resources and infrastructures as deterring the sector’s growth.

According to BASIS information, the main destinations of Bangladeshi software products are the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, India and Japan. l

BB profit falls 7.6% in FY13

Three-day ERP software exhibition begins

Bangladesh Bank profit fell 7.6% to Tk41.5bn in the fiscal year 2012-13 as Governor Atiur Rahman signed the balance sheet yesterday.

The central bank earned Tk55.33bn and spent Tk13.80bn in the fiscal year 2012-13.

Of the total profit, Tk40.7bn is transferrable to the government which is 83% of the profit or Tk4bn more than the previous fiscal year.

BB gave Tk36.7bn to the government in 2011-12.

“The lower trend of BB profit is a good sign for economic sector as it means that banks are in corporate governance,’’ said Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Mohammad Naushad Ali Chowdhury.

He said Bangladesh Bank profit depends on various instruments while earning from foreign exchange holding reduced due to sharp fall of dollar price.

Bangladesh Bank has enough gold reserve, one of the income sources, which is also decreased for declining gold prices.

Moreover, government borrowing was sluggish in the last fiscal year, which also negatively affected the interest income, he added. l

n Tribune Business Desk

n Tribune Report

A three-day ERP software exhibition got underway yesterday at BASIS auditorium in Dhaka. Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Industry (BASIS) organised the event titled “Business Software Showcase.”

In his speech, DCCI chief lauded BASIS to organise such event and said the regular holding of exhibition would play an important role in expanding software industry in the local market.

BASIS President Fahim Mahroor and Chairman of BASIS Local Market Standing Committee Sheikh Kabir Ahmed spoke at the function.

“The exhibition can be a platform for the small and middle enterprises to display their products and will help the businesses to choose from them,” said Fahim Mashroor.

A number of 11 BASIS members are displaying their ERP software products in the exhibition participating in the organisations.

The participants are Advanced ERP (BD) Ltd, Bangladesh Micro-technology Ltd, Best Business Bond Ltd, CSL Software Resources Ltd, Daffodil Computers Ltd, Enter IT BD Ltd, Era Infotech Ltd, ICT Solutions Ltd, Leads Corporation Ltd, Lexinier Solutions Ltd and Databiz Software Ltd. The Exhibition will continue till tomorrow and remain open from 10am to 7pm every day for the visitors. l

IDLC offers basic needs to 15 children of LEADS

n Tribune Business Desk The IDLC Group is sponsoring 15 underprivileged children of the Livelihood Education and Development Service (LEADS) for six months.

It will provide expenses for education, healthcare, food and other associated services for the children, said a press release.

A cheque was handed over to LEADS at a function recently. The CEO and MD of IDLC Selim R F Hussain and LEADS Executive Director Romina Dewan were present. l

Akij Food holds prize giving ceremony

n Tribune Business Desk Akij Food and Beverage Ltd held a prize giving ceremony of a previously organised countrywide trade promotion for retailers titled “Mojo-Clemon Eid Anando Upohar” on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

Seven attractive electric bikes were handed over to the winners of the trade promotional offer in a ceremony at Sky Watch Restaurant in Dhaka.

The winners are Md Aktar Hossain from Dhaka, Md Giasuddin Tito from Narshingdi, Abdus Salam from Kushtia, Md Alauddin Rana from Comilla, Md Bakibillah Nasim from Chitttagong, Md Moin Uddin from Mymensingh, and Haji Mustafizur Rahman Moni from Faridpur.

Sales & Marketing Executive Director Altaf Hossain, Sales DGM Syed Johurul Alam, and other high officials of AFBL were also present in the ceremony. l

Rabeth Khan selected as jury for ‘Asia’s Most Promising Brands and Leaders’

n Tribune Business Desk

Media Axis CEO Rabeth Khan was selected as jury of the Jury Board of the first “Asia’s Most Promising Brands and Leaders” event from Bangladesh.

Rabeth Khan is the first individual from Bangladesh to be selected as a jury from Bangladesh for one of the leading brand award platforms in the international arena. Rabeth Khan started his career at Grey Worldwide and for the past one decade has made his mark in areas of media, marketing communication and media entertainment area.

The event showcase will have its curtain raiser at the iconic hotel Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai on August 26-27. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

monday, August 26, 2013

Works on Cox’s Bazar mega project to start soon 5-star, 3-star hotels, golf court and special villages to feature the Tk500m tourism project n Asif Showkat Kallol The development works of a mega-project to tap tourism potential would soon start in Bangladesh’s sea beach town of Cox’s Bazar.

The project includes construction of some structures like a five star hotel on 160 acres of land owned by Hotel Shaibal.

Official sources said the structures also include setting up of tourism villages, construction of another three star hotel and an 18-hole golf court of international standard.

A cost of Tk500m has been estimated initially and the proposal is likely to be placed at the meeting of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs this week.

Under a 10-year master plan taken to develop Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata to world class tourist spots, the project will be implemented by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation through private-public partnership initia-

tive, said the sources.

“The project works will begin soon. Prime Minister has taken it as one of her priority projects,” Faruk Khan, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Sources said an unsolicited bidder Inter Asia Group Pte Ltd will construct the projects in two years. A proposal in this regard will be placed at the meeting of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

The minister informed that investors from the Middle-East, Thailand and Singapore have showed interest in the project.

As per a government decision, Bangladesh Cricket Board will administer matches of ICC T-20 Cricket Tournament by building temporary establishments on Shaibal Hotel’s land and remove the structures after the end of the matches.

Sources said the master plan focuses on the development of five places of the dis-

trict’s Ramu, Ukhiya, Teknaf, Saint Martin’s and Shah Pori’s Island.

The Shah Pori’s Island will be an exclusive beach for the foreign tourists.

“We have divided Cox’s Bazar sea beach into four categories,” Faruk Khan said earlier. The categories include exclusive, concert and ordinary beach zones.

Meanwhile, the cabinet had approved a draft of Cox’s Bazar Development Authority Act, 2012 last year to bring the country’s sea-beach town under the planned development.

Tariff has been reduced to 5% from 70% on the import of beach tourism products in the current fiscal year.

Besides, the public works ministry has already prepared additional plans to establish new infrastructures and introduce other facilities in Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata without affecting the natural beauty and resources. l

Dhaka for common Asian voice for post-MDG aid n Tribune Report Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday urged the nations of Asian region to forge a common voice for continuous support after the MDG (Millennium Development Goal) era from the global development partners.

“We need a common voice for the Asian region in development cooperation particularly in the context of transitioning to postMDG,” he told the inaugural session of a three-day international workshop in Dhaka.

“The number of poor people, very poor people and the number of unemployed people – these are the three main targets that we should focus in the coming days to address,” he said, seeking continuous support from the donors to carry out development activities after the post-MDG period that expires in 2015.

The Economic Relations Division of Bangladesh organised the workshop titled “Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation: Links to the Post-2015 Development Agenda” with assistance from the UNDP-supported Aid Effectiveness Project.

The conference is aimed at reinforcing effective development partnerships for better development results.

The finance minister said the future economic course of the region would define the future of the globe in the post-2015 era.

“Such situation obviously calls for greater knowledge sharing and further exploration of development cooperation opportunities within Asia to ensure more equitable devel-

opment throughout the region.”

Muhith said, in the future, there is also need to put particular emphasis on enhancement of productive capacity to maintain economic stability, to go very hard on domestic resource mobilisation in which Bangladesh is doing well and also to go for usual demand for official development assistance.

Putting importance on public private partnership for the development, he said, public private partnership (PPP) has emerged that featured very prominently in the last 10 years. “For the post-2015 period, Asia has emerged the area for the future and for which plan should be carefully worked out.”

‘We need a common voice for the Asian region in development cooperation particularly in the context of transitioning to postMDG’ Apprising the meeting of Bangladesh’s achievements in MDGs, Planning Minister AK Khandker said only strong voice of the developed nations needs to be ensured to support post-MDG development activities.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the low-level of official development assistance (ODA) to the LDCs over the years and said such ODA stood at 0.29% of their combined GNI although the OECD countries pledged to provide 0.7% of GNI. UN Resident Coordinator Neal Walker said that ODA must remain as an important part of the development assistance.

He said Bangladesh has become successful in mobilising revenues from its own sources while inward flow of remittance as well as FDI also helped to fill the gaps of ODA for Bangladesh.

Walker, also the LCG co-chair, called upon the development partners to uphold the commitments of aid they had made alongside improving the quality and quantity of aid.

The aim of the workshop is to assist the Asian countries to enhance development cooperation, particularly in the context of transitioning from the MDGs to the post2015 development agenda.

The results of the workshop will be presented at the next Ministerial-level meeting of the Global Partnership to be held in Mexico in 2014 as part of the feedback from the continent to influence the post-MDG agenda and strengthen support towards the implementation of the Busan Partnership.

Government representatives from a number of countries in the Asia Pacific region including Indonesia, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Mongolia, Myanmar, Afghanistan, the Maldives, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and East Timor are attending the programme.

It will also be attended by policymakers and government officials as well as representatives from bilateral and multilateral development partners.

Development partners working in Bangladesh also attended along with representatives from parliament, civil society, the private sector and academics. l

3

Stocks continue to rally as turnover crosses Tk8bn-mark n Tribune Report Stocks edged higher yesterday with turnover crossing Tk8bn-mark for the first time in more than five weeks.

The rally was led by tannery, insurers and telecommunications that gained more than 4% each sector.

The benchmark DSEX index closed at 4,163 with a slight rise of 37 points or 0.9%.

The blue chip index DS30 rose 7 points or 0.5% to 1,568.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, declined 39 points to 8,131.

Buoyed by the high-level of trade volume of textile sector and multi-national companies, the first trading day of the week closed higher with vigorous turnover amid high liquidity in continuation of last week The DSE turnover stood at Tk8.2bn, an increase of more than 11% over the previous session’s value.

The turnover got a boost on higher volume of trade of fuel and power sector that made up 15.7% of total turnover, pharmaceutical 13%, textile 11.7% and telecommunications 11.4%.

Gainers took the lead over the losers as out of 288 issues traded, 171 advanced, 92 declined and 25 remained unchanged.

Buoyed by the high-level of trade volume of textile sector and multi-national companies, the first trading day of the week closed higher with vigorous turnover amid high liquidity in continuation of last week, said Lanka Bangla Securities in its daily market analysis.

It said stable political frontier coupled with positive economic and capital market moves helped the market start with bullishness.

The country’s foreign exchange reserve of $16.21bn on the back of growth in remittance and expectation on first installment of refinancing starting from Sunday made investors optimistic about rejuvenating the capital market, it said.

IDLC Investment said hype continued as the week started, but could not keep its phase amid profit taking.

As session progressed, investors opted for realising short-term gains, since index loaded a large spike of 329.65 points in last ten sessions.

This stimulus improvement in hype-driven positioning and profit booking helped turnover boost after twenty sessions, it said.

Among the good performing companies, tannery gained 6.32%, life insurance 6%, telecommunications 4.7% and food and allied 4.6%. But bank was down 1.3% and textile 0.3%.

The top turnover leaders included Grameenphone, Square Pharmaceuticals, Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Ltd, Padma Oil and Meghna Petroleum. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

monday, August 26, 2013

Central bankers debate risks of withdrawing global liquidity n Reuters Global financial stability is at risk as central banks draw back from ultra-easy policies that have flooded the world with cash, because emerging markets lack defenses to prevent potentially huge capital outflows, top officials were warned on Saturday.

Central bankers from around the world, devoting the second day at their annual Jackson Hole policy retreat to the threats posed by global liquidity, heard two academic papers on the challenges, sparking a debate on actions and on coordination.

Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda told the audience, which included top officials from advanced as well as emerging economies, that the bold measures he had championed to spur his nation's moribund economy were bearing fruit.

"The bank's (policy) has already started to exert its intended effects," Kuroda said. The Bank of Japan has embarked on an aggressive bond-buying campaign to lift inflation in his country to 2%.

Easy money policies used to depress interest rates in Japan, Europe and the United States had sparked a flood of capital into emerging markets as investors sought higher returns.

Now, however, the US Federal Reserve has said it plans to reduce its bond-buying stimulus by year end, with an eye toward drawing it to a close by mid-2014.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Dennis Lockhart made clear that tapering

A pedestrian holding an umbrella walks past the Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo could begin next month, provided the economic news between now and then was not dramatically bad.

"I can get comfortable with September, providing we don't get any really worrisome signals out of the economy between now and the 18th of September," he told Reuters in an interview, referring to the Fed's next meeting, which is on September 17-18.

Concerns over Fed tapering has sparked

REUTERS

an exodus of cash from emerging markets, including India and Brazil, whose currencies and stock markets suffered steep losses this week.

"Amplifications, feedback loops and sensitivity to risk perceptions will complicate the task of exit and necessitate very close and constant dialogue and cooperation between central banks," Jean-Pierre Landau, a former deputy governor of the Bank of France, warned in his presentation. l

India’s forex reserves up $205m n UNB

India finance minister seeks relief for rupee

India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves increased by $205.8m to $278.8bn for the week ended Aug 16, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The reserves had increased by $1.43bn to $278.6bn for the week ended Aug 9.

The foreign currency assets (FCA) – the biggest component of the forex reserves – grew by $211.7m at $251.5bn, the weekly statistical supplement of the central bank showed. The FCA had grown by $1.45bn at $251.34bn in the previous week.

The central bank said FCA in US dollar terms included the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US currencies held in reserve, such as the pound sterling, euro and yen. Gold reserves remained stagnant at $20.74bn. The reserves of the precious metal remained stagnant after plunging $1.28bn in the week ended July 5.

However, the special drawing rights (SDRs) declined by $3.9m to $4.39bn during the week ended Aug 16, 2013, while reserves with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) went down by $2m to $2.10bn.

The SDRs had increased by $45.4m to $4.39bn during the previous week, while reserves with the IMF were down by $64.7m to $2.10bn. l

n AFP, Mumbai India's finance minister P. Chidambaram met with top bankers Saturday to discuss ways to boost the weak rupee and bring in more foreign capital to bridge a trade gap that has put pressure on the currency.

Chidambaram was accompanied by top officials at the meeting in India's financial hub of Mumbai with representatives of leading private and public sector banks.

As the US economy picks up, the Federal Reserve is expected to start winding down its bond-buying stimulus scheme which has helped fuel an investment splurge in Asia's emerging markets.

"The meeting was mainly to seek ideas and suggestions on what can be done about capital inflows. It was a very good and positive meeting," ICICI Bank's chief executive Chanda Kochhar told reporters.

India's large current account deficit - the broadest measure of trade - must be funded with foreign capital, and the country is seen as one of the most vulnerable among emerging market nations whose currencies are under pressure globally.

India's rupee recovered from historic lows against the dollar Friday, marking its

biggest single-day gain in nearly a year, but analysts warned the currency's overall trend was still bearish.

The rupee, one of Asia's worst performing currencies, bounced back 2.09% - its biggest one-day gain since September 2012 - to end trade at 63.20 Friday, up from its record closing low of 64.55 the previous day.

The Indian unit, which had hit a new lifetime intraday low of 65.56 Thursday, was boosted Friday by comments by Chidambaram and the Reserve Bank of India.

Chidambaram said the currency panic was "unwarranted" and the rupee had "overshot" its "appropriate level".

He added there was no plan to impose more capital controls on top of ones announced this month, and that reviving growth, which hit a decade low of five percent last year, would be the government's focus.

The central bank governor Duvvuri Subbarao, meanwhile, dismissed investor fears India is hurtling towards a balance of payments crisis similar to one in 1991.

Ten-year government bonds also posted their biggest weekly gain in four-and-a-halfyears, of 62 paise ($0.01) to 8.26%, while shares rebounded by 1.13% to 18,519.44 points. l

Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline could be extended to China n UNB Notwithstanding US opposition to its gas pipeline project with Iran, Pakistan is looking at the possibility of extending it to China as part of a planned economic corridor.

Pakistani and Chinese officials will discuss the laying of the gas pipeline from Gwadar to western China in a meeting to be held here on August 26.

They will also take up a proposal about constructing an oil pipeline between the two countries.

The two sides will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the economic corridor, which had already been approved by the cabinet.

The upcoming dialogue is a follow-up to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China in the first week of July.

During the trip, Chinese companies had expressed interest in laying the pipeline from the Gwadar Port to western China.

Iran has also expressed interest in stretching the pipeline to China, the Express Tribune reported.

As part of the economic corridor, Gwadar Port will be connected through road and rail links to China which will help enhance trade between the two countries.

Oil and gas pipelines will feature in the economic corridor, providing much-needed boost to economic activities in insurgency-hit Balochistan.

Outlining his ambitious plans, Sharif yesterday expressed optimism on the possibility of transforming Gwadar into a successful free port on the same lines as Hong Kong to attract foreign investment.

Referring to the corridor, he said both sides were taking keen interest in the project as not only China but the entire region would benefit from this mega project. He said Pakistan-China Economic Corridor was future of the country.

He recalled his earlier meetings which discussed the Trade Corridor from Kashgar to Khunjerab and Gwadar and in principal, approved the proposed alignment of Pak-China Trade Corridor, with the directions to further evaluate the proposal in terms of time and cost efficiency.

Pakistan has asked Iran to bear the entire cost of the gas pipeline as it found difficult to arrange funds from aboard following pressure from the US. The US is pressing Pakistan to shelve the IP pipeline and rather focus on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline.

Iran has already committed $500m for financing Pakistani side of the pipeline but Islamabad insists that Tehran should enhance the credit limit.

Total cost of pipeline construction in Pakistan has been estimated at $1.bn.

To cover part of the cost, the government will award a contract for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) to Iranian firm Tadbir Energy.

Under the project, Pakistan will import 750 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd) with an option to increase it to one billion cubic feet. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

monday, August 26, 2013

5

Analysts say emerging market turmoil not another Asian currency crisis n AFP, Paris Plunging emerging market currencies on the prospect of US stimulus tapering have stirred memories of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, but analysts doubt a similar catastrophe is in the making.

"There are negative linkages (now) but I don't think that we are in a repetition of the 1990s crisis," said Jean Medecin, a member of the investment committee at the Carmignac Gestion asset manager.

While the Indian rupee has so far taken the worst beating, falling nearly 15% against the US dollar over the past three months, Indonesia's rupiah and the Brazilian real are down 10%, and the Turkish lira over 5% in a trend that is frightfully reminiscent of the crisis that began in Thailand in mid-1997.

Back then, investors reacted by panicking, withdrawing funds en masse, resulting in the Thai bath eventually collapsing. The phenomenon then spread like a wildfire throughout Asia, and even to Russia, with foreign capital vanishing almost with the blink of an eye. Short of capital, emerging countries suffered acute shortages of credit, plunging them even deeper into the crisis.

Fifteen years on, India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last week said emerging countries are now much better equipped.

In 1991, India had only 15 days worth of foreign exchange reserves, he said. "Now we have reserves of six to seven months. So there is no comparison. And no question of going back to the 1991 crisis," he said.

Bursting of bubble won't be catastrophic

This week, Nobel prize winning economist Paul Krugman wrote on his New York Times blog that in retrospect, the flood of money into emerging markets looks like a bubble.

But Krugman said "for the moment, I don't see a good reason to believe that the bursting of this particular bubble will be catastrophic".

Standard & Poor's rating agency agreed.

In a report it called the capital outflows "disruptive not destructive", and said most Asian developing nations will "weather the disrup-

tion without a sharp slowdown in economic growth or prolonged financial volatility".

Krugman said "what made the Asian crisis of 1997-8 so bad was the high level of foreign-currency denominated debt, and that seems less of an issue now".

The Economist's Ryan Avent wrote on his blog that a bigger concern are potential policy errors on behalf of governments and central banks as they try to stem the slide of their currencies.

"Recklessly imposed capital controls could fuel panic and impair long-run growth," he said.

India's central bank has tried to stabilise the rupee for months with measures like hiking short-term interest rates and imposing capital controls.

"Worse still, central banks may strangle their economies with high rates in an attempt to protect their currencies' values," Avent said. Thus the end of US monetary stimulus "risks squeezing demand around the world" when its purpose was to prop it up in rich countries.

Ratings agency Fitch said that "policy management will be the key factor in determining whether economic and financial stability is maintained in India and Indonesia following the intensified pressure on currencies and asset prices". Recent developments have not prompted it to revise ratings, it added.

So far, however, central banks seem to prefer hiking short-term rates rather than their main rates, which would slow investment, consumption and growth.

Turkey took that tack this week, hiking its overnight rate and shutting off other shortterm rates to deter speculation against the lira, while keeping its main rate on hold.

Letting currencies slide 'smartest move'

However, the current situation is "a painful adjustment phenomenon" for emerging nations, said strategist Maarten-Jan Bakkum at Dutch bank ING IM. "After years of rising currencies, emerging economies are now faced with structural problems. In the absence of remedies to cure the problem, they have corrected this

A money changer holds stacks of Indonesian rupiah notes in Jakarta. Asian emerging market currencies extended losses on Tuesday, with the rupiah hitting a fresh four year low, as the prospect of a start to a withdrawal of stimulus by the US Federal Reserve kept drawing capital out of the region REUTERS through exchange rates," he said.

Simon Derrick, chief currency strategist at BNY Mellon said that "letting the currency take the strain might be the smartest move for some emerging market nations".

He noted that in 2008, when emerging markets last tried to stop the outflow of funds, they failed despite spending up to 20% of their foreign currency reserves.

Derrick suggested that central bank forex intervention during a time when easy money poured in only gave investors an artificially cheap exchange rate to enter the markets.

"It also provides an artificially advantageous price at which to leave now."

Still, several countries have moved to defend their currencies.

Brazil, which had led emerging market complaints that Western stimulus measures had resulted in the appreciation of their

currencies and eroded its competitiveness, turned around, saying it would make $55bn available to prop up the real.

Turkey pledged to inject a minimum of $100m per day, while India announced it would put $1.26bn into the banking system by buying back long-term government bonds, although it said the move was aimed at making more credit available to boost economic growth rather than defending the rupee.

The investment outflow poses immediate risks for Turkey and India as they rely heavily on short-term foreign funds to cover their large current account deficits (6.5% of GDP for Turkey and 4.8% for India).

India's growth slumped to a decade low of five percent in the year to March with inflation now running at 5.8%, while Brazil is expecting 2.5% growth this year with inflation currently at 6.3%. l

Emerging countries must be able to control capital flows: study n Reuters Emerging market nations can be adversely affected by large swings in investment and, therefore, must develop tools to control credit flows or risk relinquishing any independent monetary policy, a study shows.

These findings were presented at the Kansas City Federal Reserve's monetary policy symposium at Jackson Hole, which highlighted the global impact of the unconventional monetary policy of the United States and other major central banks.

Many countries, including India and Brazil, have recently experienced steep sell-offs

in their currencies, linked in part to the prospect that the Fed might soon dial down the pace of its bond-buying monetary stimulus.

The Jackson Hole study highlights a shift in conventional economic thinking, which used to champion an open flow of money between countries, regardless of the consequences.

"Macroprudential policies are necessary to restore monetary policy independence for the non central countries," wrote Helene Rey, professor at the London Business School. "They can substitute for capital controls, although if they are not sufficient, capital controls must also be considered."

That, said the study, is because countries with floating exchange rates, the dominant global practice, would be abdicating their control over interest rates and credit creation from sources outside their control.

"Independent monetary policies are possible if - and only if - the capital account is managed, directly or indirectly, via macroprudential policies," Rey said. These can take many forms, including efforts to restrain credit growth in particular areas of the economy.

"Since, for a country, the most dangerous outcome of inappropriately loose global financial conditions is excessive credit

growth, a sensible policy option is to monitor directly credit growth and leverage in each market," she said.

Terrence Checki, executive vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, charged with commenting on the paper, pushed back against the notion that rich-country central banks should start paying more attention to the international effects of their policies.

He said that, in keeping with conventional wisdom at the Fed, monetary policy should be aimed at domestic objectives. "It's not clear we can control the financial cycle very well with monetary policy," Checki said. l

6

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

monday, August 26, 2013

DSEBroadIndex:4163.18⇑0.92%Turnover:8203.06M.Tk⇑11.44%,PE:13.37 Turnover 8,807.79 MTk.⇑ 11.89% August 25, 2013 MarketCap.2,064.29 BTk.⇑1.57% CSEAllShareIndex:12831⇑0.52%,Turnover:604.73MTk.⇑18.26%,PE:13.15 Combined Turnover Leader

BANK ABBANK | 2.95 | 32.60 | Vol. 483493 D: 24.10 ⇓ 2.03% | 24.22 | 25.00 / 22.50 C: 24.10 ⇓ 2.82% | 24.28 | 24.80 / 24.00 CITYBANK | 1.15 | 25.97 | Vol. 583918 D: 17.20 ⇑ 0.58% | 17.25 | 17.60 / 16.00 C: 17.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.24 | 17.80 / 17.00 IFIC | 1.10 | 18.34 | Vol. 466762 D: 20.80 ⇓ 0.95% | 20.95 | 21.60 / 19.00 C: 21.00 ⇓ 0.47% | 20.89 | 21.20 / 20.80 ISLAMIBANK | 3.78 | 27.16 | Vol. 335264 D: 37.20 ⇓ 1.33% | 37.26 | 40.00 / 35.00 C: 36.90 ⇓ 1.07% | 36.94 | 38.00 / 35.00 NBL | 1.05 | 15.76 | Vol. 1793465 D: 11.60 ⇓ 0.85% | 11.74 | 12.20 / 11.00 C: 11.70 ⇓ 0.85% | 11.79 | 12.00 / 11.70 PUBALIBANK | 1.92 | 21.18 | Vol. 277015 D: 28.80 ⇓ 0.69% | 28.92 | 29.90 / 28.00 C: 28.50 ⇓ 3.06% | 29.10 | 29.60 / 28.30 RUPALIBANK | 6.70 | 64.27 | Vol. 24419 D: 60.90 ⇓ 1.77% | 61.08 | 61.60 / 60.00 C: 60.00 ⇓ 0.50% | 60.00 | 60.00 / 60.00 UCBL | 1.90 | 21.72 | Vol. 2304701 D: 18.30 ⇓ 1.61% | 18.53 | 19.60 / 17.00 C: 18.40 ⇓ 1.08% | 18.51 | 18.80 / 17.00 UTTARABANK | 3.42 | 26.97 | Vol. 318194 D: 25.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 25.01 | 25.30 / 23.80 C: 25.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 25.13 | 25.60 / 24.80 ICBIBANK | -1.60 | -13.03 | Vol. 53000 D: 5.90 ⇓ 3.28% | 5.98 | 6.00 / 5.90 EBL | 3.91 | 28.22 | Vol. 485123 D: 25.70 ⇓ 1.53% | 26.05 | 26.30 / 24.80 C: 25.30 ⇓ 2.69% | 25.42 | 26.00 / 25.10 ALARABANK | 2.03 | 14.91 | Vol. 266887 D: 14.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.92 | 15.00 / 14.00 C: 14.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.71 | 15.00 / 14.70 PRIMEBANK | 2.89 | 22.40 | Vol. 406671 D: 21.80 ⇓ 5.22% | 22.13 | 22.50 / 21.00 C: 21.40 ⇓ 3.17% | 21.59 | 22.00 / 21.00 SOUTHEASTB | 1.89 | 22.66 | Vol. 515903 D: 16.10 ⇓ 0.62% | 16.18 | 16.60 / 15.00 C: 16.00 ⇓ 0.62% | 16.10 | 16.40 / 14.50 DHAKABANK | 1.46 | 18.08 | Vol. 87706 D: 20.20 ⇑ 0.50% | 20.34 | 20.70 / 18.20 C: 20.20 ⇑ 0.50% | 20.48 | 22.10 / 20.00 NCCBANK | 1.90 | 15.88 | Vol. 650258 D: 12.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 12.02 | 12.30 / 10.80 C: 12.00 ⇓ 0.83% | 12.06 | 12.40 / 11.90 SIBL | 2.05 | 14.47 | Vol. 593479 D: 12.10 ⇓ 0.82% | 12.11 | 12.20 / 11.00 C: 12.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 12.07 | 12.20 / 12.00 DUTCHBANGL | 11.57 | 54.27 | Vol. 58000 D: 98.70 ⇓ 0.70% | 98.84 | 99.40 / 98.00 MTBL | 1.17 | 17.27 | Vol. 31760 D: 14.60 ⇑ 0.69% | 14.58 | 14.70 / 13.80 C: 14.50 ⇑ 1.40% | 14.49 | 14.50 / 14.40 STANDBANKL | 2.33 | 14.41 | Vol. 477954 D: 13.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.48 | 14.20 / 13.00 C: 13.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.35 | 13.50 / 13.30 ONEBANKLTD | 2.35 | 15.34 | Vol. 1059500 D: 14.90 ⇓ 1.32% | 15.04 | 16.00 / 13.60 C: 15.00 ⇓ 1.32% | 15.00 | 15.40 / 14.50 BANKASIA | 1.35 | 20.80 | Vol. 125050 D: 18.90 ⇓ 2.07% | 18.92 | 19.10 / 18.00 C: 18.60 ⇓ 2.62% | 18.82 | 19.00 / 18.00 MERCANBANK | 2.07 | 16.59 | Vol. 725197 D: 11.70 ⇓ 1.68% | 11.84 | 12.10 / 11.00 C: 11.70 ⇓ 2.50% | 11.83 | 12.00 / 11.60 EXIMBANK | 1.80 | 14.31 | Vol. 1204814 D: 11.70 ⇓ 1.68% | 11.82 | 12.50 / 11.10 C: 11.80 ⇓ 1.67% | 11.86 | 12.10 / 11.70 JAMUNABANK | 2.47 | 18.56 | Vol. 150366 D: 14.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.20 | 14.50 / 12.70 C: 14.00 ⇓ 1.41% | 14.00 | 14.00 / 14.00 BRACBANK | 1.51 | 24.87 | Vol. 185842 D: 28.60 ⇓ 0.35% | 28.64 | 29.40 / 26.00 C: 28.50 ⇓ 0.70% | 28.36 | 28.80 / 28.20 SHAHJABANK | 2.61 | 14.47 | Vol. 619001 D: 14.30 ⇓ 2.72% | 14.44 | 15.00 / 13.50 C: 14.50 ⇓ 1.36% | 14.54 | 14.90 / 14.40

TO M. Tk.

Grameenphone-A

2487791

535.90

Square Pharma -A

2234464

495.63

% of TTL 6.08 5.63

Avg. P 215.41 221.81

BD Submarine Cable-A

1673710

494.53

5.61

295.47

Padma Oil Co. -A

1020042

407.13

4.62

399.13

Meghna Petroleum -A

CompanyCode | EPS | BV | Volume Traded (Share) DSE/CSE: ClosePrice ⇓/⇑ Chn % | Avg.Price | Hi / Lo

Vol.

1127878

329.38

3.74

PREMIERBAN | 1.18 | 13.95 | Vol. 485257 D: 10.30 ⇑ 0.98% | 10.24 | 11.00 / 9.20 C: 10.10 ⇓ 0.98% | 10.21 | 10.40 / 10.10 TRUSTBANK | 0.50 | 18.00 | Vol. 148016 D: 17.40 ⇓ 0.57% | 17.45 | 17.70 / 15.80 C: 17.20 ⇓ 2.27% | 17.17 | 17.30 / 17.00 FIRSTSBANK | 1.85 | 13.89 | Vol. 253463 D: 12.00 ⇓ 1.64% | 12.13 | 12.50 / 11.50 C: 12.00 ⇓ 1.64% | 12.04 | 12.30 / 11.90 NON BANKING F I IDLC | 4.43 | 29.18 | Vol. 237815 D: 65.10 ⇑ 1.56% | 65.28 | 65.90 / 58.00 C: 65.00 ⇑ 1.09% | 65.26 | 66.00 / 64.90 ULC | 1.80 | 14.90 | Vol. 119346 D: 28.10 ⇑ 2.18% | 28.06 | 29.00 / 25.80 UTTARAFIN | 7.16 | 41.54 | Vol. 407569 D: 81.20 ⇑ 3.18% | 80.66 | 81.60 / 71.00 C: 81.30 ⇑ 4.90% | 80.88 | 81.50 / 79.90 MIDASFIN | 0.16 | 10.21 | Vol. 6545 D: 35.10 ⇓ 2.50% | 35.06 | 35.30 / 33.00 FLEASEINT | 2.34 | 13.93 | Vol. 329795 D: 26.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 26.42 | 26.80 / 24.00 C: 26.50 ⇑ 1.53% | 26.43 | 26.70 / 26.20 PLFSL | 1.37 | 17.48 | Vol. 831657 D: 23.90 ⇑ 1.27% | 24.16 | 25.00 / 22.00 C: 23.90 ⇑ 1.27% | 24.18 | 24.80 / 23.70 PRIMEFIN | 0.87 | 17.88 | Vol. 551742 D: 26.50 ⇑ 3.92% | 26.36 | 27.00 / 25.00 C: 26.90 ⇑ 3.86% | 26.60 | 27.00 / 25.90 PREMIERLEA | 0.10 | 11.37 | Vol. 315072 D: 10.30 ⇓ 0.96% | 10.41 | 10.60 / 10.00 C: 10.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 10.31 | 10.50 / 10.20 ISLAMICFIN | 1.03 | 15.48 | Vol. 823600 D: 16.10 ⇑ 1.90% | 16.31 | 16.70 / 14.30 C: 16.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 16.18 | 16.50 / 15.80 LANKABAFIN | 1.61 | 31.07 | Vol. 1017343 D: 61.30 ⇑ 3.55% | 61.24 | 62.50 / 53.30 C: 60.80 ⇑ 2.53% | 60.91 | 62.00 / 60.00 BIFC | 0.15 | 18.58 | Vol. 65047 D: 13.70 ⇑ 1.48% | 13.73 | 13.90 / 13.50 C: 13.80 ⇓ 0.72% | 13.95 | 14.00 / 13.80 IPDC | 1.23 | 19.43 | Vol. 215000 D: 16.80 ⇑ 1.82% | 16.96 | 17.70 / 16.70 C: 16.30 ⇓ 1.21% | 16.37 | 16.60 / 16.20 UNIONCAP | 0.54 | 17.85 | Vol. 115868 D: 28.30 ⇓ 0.35% | 28.15 | 30.90 / 26.00 C: 27.50 ⇓ 4.84% | 27.64 | 28.20 / 27.20 BDFINANCE | 0.57 | 14.77 | Vol. 116153 D: 18.60 ⇑ 1.64% | 18.66 | 19.00 / 18.00 C: 18.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.63 | 18.90 / 18.00 ILFSL | 0.35 | 12.19 | Vol. 760667 D: 12.20 ⇑ 1.67% | 12.21 | 12.50 / 11.00 C: 12.40 ⇑ 2.48% | 12.43 | 12.50 / 12.20 PHOENIXFIN | 2.46 | 19.39 | Vol. 526830 D: 33.90 ⇑ 1.50% | 34.09 | 34.50 / 30.30 C: 33.50 ⇑ 0.90% | 33.74 | 34.20 / 32.30 FASFIN | 0.19 | 13.56 | Vol. 661057 D: 13.50 ⇓ 1.46% | 13.62 | 14.00 / 12.50 C: 13.60 ⇓ 0.73% | 13.77 | 14.00 / 13.60 DBH | 3.40 | 16.80 | Vol. 305000 D: 66.20 ⇓ 1.49% | 67.14 | 69.50 / 65.40 C: 68.40 ⇑ 1.18% | 68.36 | 69.90 / 67.60 NHFIL | 0.57 | 12.70 | Vol. 884327 D: 30.90 ⇑ 8.04% | 30.73 | 31.40 / 28.00 C: 31.00 ⇑ 8.39% | 30.94 | 31.40 / 30.40 BAYLEASING | 0.72 | 25.55 | Vol. 372478 D: 31.10 ⇑ 3.67% | 30.98 | 31.50 / 27.00 C: 31.30 ⇑ 5.74% | 31.16 | 31.50 / 30.20 ICB | 109.65 | 595.98 | Vol. 26918 D: 2195 ⇓ 0.62% | 2218 | 2285 / 2150 C: 2234 ⇑ 0.19% | 2234 | 2335 / 2175 GSPFINANCE | 1.63 | 22.23 | Vol. 463088 D: 27.60 ⇑ 9.52% | 26.83 | 27.70 / 23.00 C: 26.90 ⇑ 7.17% | 26.65 | 27.50 / 25.10 INVESTMENT 1STICB | 64.70 | 137.05 | Vol. 50 D: 850.0 ⇓ 0.07% | 850.00 | 850.0 / 850.0 2NDICB | 33.02 | 76.34 | Vol. 450 D: 289.5 ⇑ 2.08% | 288.89 | 300.0 / 281.0 3RDICB | 24.83 | 58.91 | Vol. 450 D: 202.4 ⇓ 1.27% | 202.22 | 205.0 / 200.0

292.03

DSE Gainer Meghna Life Ins.-A Rangpur Foundry-A Samorita Hospital-A Sun Life Insurance-N Sandhani Life-A

DSE Loser

C%

A%

CP

8th ICB M F-A

-7.82

-7.65

56.60

94.10

Samata Leather-Z

-6.96

-6.61

10.70

10.00

87.10

5th ICB M F-A

-6.74

-6.32

177.20

5.89

51.40

4th ICB M F-A

-6.29

-6.30

204.00

Rahim Textile-A

-5.75

-3.84

234.30

C%

A%

CP

9.98

7.92

103.60

9.93

9.61

9.84 9.83 9.81

8.12

4THICB | 23.40 | 58.63 | Vol. 300 D: 204.0 ⇓ 6.29% | 204.00 | 204.0 / 204.0 5THICB | 18.93 | 41.95 | Vol. 500 D: 177.2 ⇓ 6.74% | 178.00 | 180.0 / 175.0 6THICB | 10.58 | 26.73 | Vol. 19800 D: 53.60 ⇑ 3.28% | 53.81 | 55.00 / 53.00 C: 53.80 ⇓ 28.27% | 53.77 | 54.00 / 53.00 7THICB | 13.47 | 32.05 | Vol. 500 D: 90.00 ⇓ 5.26% | 90.00 | 90.00 / 90.00 8THICB | 12.33 | 29.54 | Vol. 108500 D: 56.60 ⇓ 7.82% | 56.70 | 58.90 / 55.30 1STBSRS | 14.43 | 161.88 | Vol. 26500 D: 106.5 ⇑ 0.00% | 107.85 | 110.0 / 103.3 AIMS1STMF | 3.02 | 15.70 | Vol. 932250 D: 46.50 ⇑ 4.49% | 47.14 | 48.60 / 45.30 C: 46.50 ⇑ 4.97% | 46.77 | 48.40 / 44.80 GRAMEEN1 | 6.26 | 33.23 | Vol. 472500 D: 48.40 ⇑ 1.89% | 48.60 | 49.90 / 47.90 C: 48.10 ⇑ 2.12% | 48.33 | 48.90 / 47.90 GRAMEENS2 | 2.17 | 16.41 | Vol. 1042750 D: 17.90 ⇓ 0.56% | 18.10 | 18.60 / 17.90 C: 18.00 ⇑ 0.56% | 18.08 | 18.30 / 17.90 1STPRIMFMF | 0.64 | 11.63 | Vol. 477000 D: 16.60 ⇑ 3.11% | 16.80 | 17.10 / 16.40 C: 16.30 ⇓ 1.21% | 16.71 | 17.10 / 16.20 EBL1STMF | 0.60 | 12.62 | Vol. 743000 D: 8.00 ⇓ 1.23% | 8.13 | 8.40 / 8.00 C: 8.10 ⇓ 1.22% | 8.16 | 8.40 / 8.00 ICBAMCL2ND | 0.60 | 12.12 | Vol. 575000 D: 5.30 ⇓ 3.64% | 5.38 | 5.70 / 5.20 C: 5.70 ⇑ 9.62% | 5.70 | 5.70 / 5.70 ICBEPMF1S1 | 0.52 | 11.32 | Vol. 244000 D: 5.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.49 | 5.70 / 5.40 C: 5.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.27 | 5.50 / 5.20 TRUSTB1MF | 0.82 | 11.65 | Vol. 1498500 D: 8.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 8.81 | 8.90 / 8.60 C: 8.70 ⇓ 2.25% | 8.74 | 8.80 / 8.60 PRIME1ICBA | 0.42 | 11.18 | Vol. 214500 D: 5.00 ⇓ 1.96% | 5.08 | 5.20 / 5.00 C: 5.10 ⇓ 1.92% | 5.15 | 5.20 / 5.00 DBH1STMF | -1.12 | 10.15 | Vol. 502000 D: 5.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.84 | 6.00 / 5.80 C: 5.70 ⇓ 1.72% | 5.70 | 5.70 / 5.70 IFIC1STMF | 0.90 | 11.88 | Vol. 1023500 D: 8.10 ⇓ 2.41% | 8.23 | 8.40 / 8.00 C: 8.00 ⇓ 3.61% | 8.14 | 8.30 / 7.80 PF1STMF | 0.51 | 11.11 | Vol. 201500 D: 5.10 ⇓ 1.92% | 5.22 | 5.30 / 5.10 C: 5.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.24 | 5.30 / 5.10 ICB3RDNRB | 0.00 | 10.60 | Vol. 891000 D: 5.10 ⇑ 2.00% | 5.04 | 5.20 / 5.00 C: 5.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.10 | 5.10 / 5.10 1JANATAMF | 0.78 | 10.68 | Vol. 203000 D: 5.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.98 | 6.10 / 5.90 C: 5.90 ⇑ 1.72% | 5.89 | 5.90 / 5.80 GREENDELMF | -0.82 | 9.72 | Vol. 443000 D: 5.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.45 | 5.60 / 5.40 C: 5.40 ⇑ 1.89% | 5.44 | 5.50 / 5.40 POPULAR1MF | 0.79 | 11.38 | Vol. 1147000 D: 6.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.22 | 6.30 / 6.10 C: 6.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.13 | 6.20 / 6.00 IFILISLMF1 | 0.00 | 10.45 | Vol. 977000 D: 5.00 ⇑ 2.04% | 5.04 | 5.10 / 4.90 C: 5.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.00 | 5.00 / 4.90 PHPMF1 | 0.63 | 10.92 | Vol. 915000 D: 5.70 ⇓ 1.72% | 5.83 | 6.10 / 5.70 C: 5.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.77 | 5.90 / 5.70 AIBL1STIMF | -0.07 | 9.25 | Vol. 60000 D: 6.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.43 | 6.70 / 6.30 C: 6.40 ⇓ 1.54% | 6.35 | 6.50 / 6.30 MBL1STMF | -0.16 | 9.08 | Vol. 263000 D: 6.20 ⇓ 1.59% | 6.29 | 6.40 / 6.20 C: 5.70 ⇓ 8.06% | 5.70 | 5.70 / 5.70 SEBL1STMF | 1.03 | 11.85 | Vol. 1737500 D: 8.80 ⇓ 2.22% | 8.90 | 9.10 / 8.70 C: 8.70 ⇓ 3.33% | 8.81 | 9.00 / 8.70 EBLNRBMF | 1.16 | 10.88 | Vol. 8000 D: 8.20 ⇓ 2.38% | 8.25 | 8.30 / 8.10 RELIANCE1 | 1.05 | 11.36 | Vol. 1339500 D: 10.00 ⇓ 2.91% | 10.36 | 10.90 / 9.90 C: 10.00 ⇓ 1.96% | 10.05 | 10.20 / 9.90 LRGLOBMF1 | 0.50 | 10.82 | Vol. 13500 D: 7.00 ⇑ 1.45% | 7.04 | 7.10 / 7.00

76.10

ABB1STMF | 1.00 | 10.63 | Vol. 106000 D: 8.20 ⇑ 1.23% | 8.19 | 8.40 / 8.10 NLI1STMF | 1.29 | 12.22 | Vol. 1101500 D: 9.90 ⇓ 2.94% | 10.03 | 10.40 / 9.90 C: 9.80 ⇓ 2.97% | 9.93 | 10.20 / 9.80 FBFIF | 1.43 | 10.27 | Vol. 52000 D: 10.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 10.08 | 10.10 / 10.00 NCCBLMF1 | 1.16 | 10.48 | Vol. 7500 D: 8.90 ⇓ 1.11% | 8.93 | 9.10 / 8.80 ICBSONALI1 | 0.00 | 10.39 | Vol. 577000 D: 7.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.07 | 7.20 / 7.00 C: 7.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.01 | 7.20 / 6.90 EXIM1STMF | 0.00 | 10.91 | Vol. 10500 D: 7.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.62 | 7.70 / 7.50 ENGINEERING AFTABAUTO | 4.29 | 52.65 | Vol. 2232715 D: 127.1 ⇑ 4.18% | 128.61 | 130.0 / 110.0 C: 127.4 ⇑ 4.60% | 128.31 | 129.9 / 123.5 AZIZPIPES | 0.39 | -42.04 | Vol. 3550 D: 15.90 ⇑ 4.61% | 16.06 | 16.20 / 15.50 OLYMPIC | 5.94 | 14.91 | Vol. 586687 D: 220.4 ⇓ 3.29% | 224.72 | 234.0 / 211.0 C: 218.8 ⇓ 4.12% | 227.14 | 236.0 / 217.5 BDLAMPS | -5.31 | 37.07 | Vol. 35800 D: 159.1 ⇑ 2.05% | 162.06 | 169.5 / 157.7 C: 166.9 ⇑ 8.94% | 165.58 | 168.0 / 162.0 ECABLES | 2.04 | 18.87 | Vol. 2900 D: 59.90 ⇓ 3.39% | 60.00 | 61.00 / 58.10 C: 60.00 ⇓ 2.60% | 60.00 | 60.00 / 60.00 MONNOSTAF | 5.31 | 44.78 | Vol. 2050 D: 214.7 ⇑ 5.35% | 212.68 | 218.0 / 204.1 SINGERBD | 9.99 | 45.74 | Vol. 706844 D: 228.9 ⇑ 6.61% | 227.90 | 233.4 / 210.0 C: 227.6 ⇑ 6.06% | 228.25 | 233.0 / 218.7 ATLASBANG | 11.98 | 207.70 | Vol. 144481 D: 202.7 ⇑ 9.45% | 200.08 | 202.7 / 185.0 BDAUTOCA | 0.25 | 6.23 | Vol. 22500 D: 25.10 ⇑ 0.80% | 25.69 | 26.40 / 25.00 QSMDRYCELL | 1.65 | 58.49 | Vol. 258791 D: 38.20 ⇓ 2.05% | 39.33 | 40.30 / 36.00 C: 38.00 ⇓ 2.81% | 38.80 | 39.50 / 37.80 RENWICKJA | 5.62 | -90.00 | Vol. 30900 D: 186.9 ⇑ 0.11% | 194.98 | 200.0 / 184.0 NTLTUBES | -2.52 | 312.10 | Vol. 166500 D: 77.80 ⇑ 4.01% | 80.18 | 82.00 / 77.10 BDTHAI | 0.43 | 39.35 | Vol. 335724 D: 23.50 ⇓ 2.49% | 24.19 | 26.00 / 22.80 C: 23.50 ⇓ 2.08% | 23.98 | 24.90 / 23.50 ANWARGALV | 0.51 | 8.08 | Vol. 89000 D: 16.80 ⇑ 6.33% | 16.80 | 17.20 / 15.50 C: 17.00 ⇑ 9.68% | 16.98 | 17.00 / 16.60 KAY&QUE | -3.89 | 6.03 | Vol. 11500 D: 13.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.22 | 13.30 / 13.20 RANFOUNDRY | 2.84 | 18.62 | Vol. 82500 D: 94.10 ⇑ 9.93% | 93.79 | 94.10 / 87.00 C: 92.10 ⇑ 9.90% | 92.10 | 92.10 / 92.10 SALAMCRST | 3.31 | 20.00 | Vol. 433750 D: 43.10 ⇓ 1.37% | 43.97 | 44.60 / 40.00 C: 43.30 ⇓ 1.37% | 43.79 | 45.00 / 43.10 GOLDENSON | 3.70 | 28.70 | Vol. 606225 D: 42.70 ⇑ 2.15% | 43.14 | 45.00 / 39.00 C: 42.90 ⇑ 2.39% | 42.95 | 44.00 / 42.10 BSRMSTEEL | 3.06 | 19.53 | Vol. 605467 D: 79.50 ⇑ 1.02% | 79.94 | 82.00 / 72.00 C: 79.00 ⇑ 1.15% | 79.40 | 81.00 / 78.50 NAVANACNG | 4.09 | 27.04 | Vol. 349292 D: 65.90 ⇑ 0.76% | 66.33 | 67.30 / 62.00 C: 65.60 ⇑ 0.15% | 65.98 | 67.40 / 65.10 DESHBANDHU | 1.16 | 12.02 | Vol. 494412 D: 21.90 ⇑ 2.34% | 22.19 | 22.50 / 20.00 C: 22.00 ⇑ 3.29% | 22.14 | 22.50 / 21.90 GPHISPAT | 2.32 | 16.80 | Vol. 355400 D: 51.80 ⇑ 5.07% | 51.64 | 53.00 / 45.00 C: 51.90 ⇑ 6.13% | 51.95 | 53.40 / 51.00 BENGALWTL | 2.42 | 20.72 | Vol. 473800 D: 46.20 ⇓ 0.22% | 46.92 | 47.90 / 45.10 C: 46.80 ⇑ 1.74% | 46.95 | 47.50 / 46.20 NPOLYMAR | 2.01 | 324.37 | Vol. 359116 D: 57.30 ⇑ 9.56% | 56.05 | 57.50 / 50.00 C: 55.30 ⇑ 6.76% | 55.31 | 56.90 / 53.90

FOOD & ALLIED APEXFOODS | 2.54 | 90.81 | Vol. 29900 D: 82.70 ⇓ 4.39% | 84.63 | 88.00 / 82.10 C: 84.00 ⇓ 2.55% | 84.85 | 88.80 / 84.00 BANGAS | 7.20 | 50.27 | Vol. 144209 D: 483.6 ⇑ 1.96% | 497.04 | 511.8 / 470.0 C: 479.2 ⇓ 0.44% | 501.82 | 518.8 / 472.0 BATBC | 65.69 | 117.22 | Vol. 10405 D: 1638 ⇑ 5.46% | 1635 | 1650 / 1590 C: 1590 ⇑ 6.02% | 1590 | 1593 / 1585 GEMINISEA | 10.88 | 9.69 | Vol. 6350 D: 186.2 ⇑ 9.72% | 182.05 | 186.5 / 174.0 NTC | 29.88 | 110.05 | Vol. 400 D: 853.6 ⇑ 0.19% | 854.29 | 855.1 / 850.0 C: 850.0 ⇑ 1.19% | 850.00 | 850.0 / 850.0 ZEALBANGLA | -23.01 | -193.09 | Vol. 7900 D: 8.40 ⇑ 6.33% | 8.48 | 8.60 / 8.20 CVOPRL | 2.66 | 13.28 | Vol. 116320 D: 579.3 ⇓ 3.09% | 591.53 | 614.0 / 560.0 C: 576.7 ⇓ 4.36% | 585.90 | 599.0 / 570.0 AMCL(PRAN) | 6.53 | 53.37 | Vol. 394500 D: 283.6 ⇑ 8.45% | 283.03 | 284.3 / 270.0 C: 285.7 ⇑ 7.20% | 286.72 | 289.8 / 279.0 RAHIMAFOOD | 0.62 | 4.46 | Vol. 89500 D: 16.60 ⇑ 1.84% | 16.67 | 17.00 / 16.10 C: 16.50 ⇑ 0.61% | 16.70 | 16.90 / 16.40 FUWANGFOOD | 1.26 | 12.37 | Vol. 483174 D: 25.60 ⇑ 1.59% | 25.97 | 26.50 / 23.50 C: 25.70 ⇑ 1.98% | 25.86 | 26.30 / 25.60 MEGHNAPET | -0.58 | -1.02 | Vol. 2000 D: 5.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.60 | 5.60 / 5.60 MEGCONMILK | -6.68 | -16.22 | Vol. 23500 D: 7.00 ⇑ 2.94% | 7.02 | 7.20 / 6.80 BEACHHATCH | 1.01 | 12.48 | Vol. 753846 D: 19.20 ⇑ 2.67% | 19.46 | 20.10 / 18.00 C: 19.30 ⇑ 3.76% | 19.57 | 20.00 / 19.00 FINEFOODS | -0.11 | 10.58 | Vol. 199500 D: 18.50 ⇑ 1.65% | 18.75 | 19.00 / 18.40 C: 18.10 ⇓ 2.16% | 18.07 | 18.10 / 18.00 RDFOOD | 0.91 | 16.84 | Vol. 837764 D: 21.90 ⇑ 0.46% | 22.03 | 22.50 / 20.00 C: 22.10 ⇑ 2.31% | 22.19 | 22.70 / 21.90 GHAIL | 1.01 | 22.08 | Vol. 2352340 D: 48.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 50.08 | 51.50 / 44.10 C: 48.80 ⇑ 0.41% | 50.17 | 51.20 / 48.40 FUEL & POWER LINDEBD | 31.71 | 144.00 | Vol. 54000 D: 713.1 ⇑ 7.49% | 706.31 | 713.1 / 689.0 PADMAOIL | 16.38 | 43.67 | Vol. 1020042 D: 391.1 ⇑ 0.26% | 399.14 | 405.0 / 375.0 C: 391.8 ⇑ 0.20% | 398.86 | 404.8 / 388.0 EASTRNLUB | 6.32 | 68.68 | Vol. 1200 D: 312.2 ⇓ 0.19% | 312.50 | 315.0 / 305.2 BDWELDING | 0.33 | 16.82 | Vol. 692957 D: 20.30 ⇑ 9.73% | 20.13 | 20.30 / 17.00 C: 20.60 ⇑ 9.57% | 20.56 | 20.60 / 19.50 SUMITPOWER | 3.17 | 19.26 | Vol. 661483 D: 36.80 ⇑ 0.27% | 37.07 | 37.60 / 33.50 C: 36.60 ⇓ 1.08% | 36.93 | 38.00 / 36.50 DESCO | 2.80 | 35.25 | Vol. 724200 D: 81.60 ⇓ 1.69% | 82.95 | 85.50 / 75.80 C: 82.00 ⇓ 0.73% | 82.58 | 83.50 / 81.10 POWERGRID | 2.56 | 48.08 | Vol. 122627 D: 56.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 56.75 | 58.00 / 55.00 C: 56.50 ⇓ 0.88% | 57.46 | 60.00 / 56.50 JAMUNAOIL | 22.78 | 50.24 | Vol. 651953 D: 240.4 ⇓ 0.08% | 243.45 | 247.3 / 220.0 C: 240.1 ⇓ 0.29% | 242.64 | 246.9 / 239.3 MPETROLEUM | 16.98 | 40.41 | Vol. 1127878 D: 287.0 ⇓ 0.90% | 292.09 | 297.9 / 265.0 C: 286.7 ⇓ 0.97% | 290.30 | 297.5 / 284.2 TITASGAS | 9.01 | 36.56 | Vol. 1416442 D: 86.80 ⇓ 0.69% | 87.78 | 89.80 / 78.70 C: 86.70 ⇓ 0.91% | 87.55 | 89.70 / 86.40 KPCL | 4.73 | 15.86 | Vol. 754391 D: 51.10 ⇓ 0.97% | 51.41 | 52.40 / 47.00 C: 51.20 ⇓ 1.35% | 51.56 | 52.30 / 47.00 BEDL | 1.57 | 17.89 | Vol. 1207247 D: 37.00 ⇑ 3.06% | 37.20 | 38.00 / 32.60 C: 37.00 ⇑ 3.06% | 37.15 | 37.60 / 36.90

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monday, August 26, 2013

7

August 25, 2013 Sectotal Index: BANK: 33,136.64 ⇓ 1.36% NBFI: 21,396.36 ⇑ 2.16% INVS: 5,013.01 ⇓ 0.11% ENGG: 6,404.72 ⇑ 0.80% FOOD: 8,639.00 ⇓ 0.21% F&P: 11,290.32 ⇓ 0.38% TEXT: 3,098.52 ⇓ 0.52% PHAR: 17,284.42 ⇑ 1.27% PAPR: 795.60 ⇑ 1.62% SERV: 3,237.48 ⇑ 0.09% LEAT: 5,459.60 ⇑ 4.54% CERA: 511.75 ⇑ 0.76% CMNT: 4,592.09 ⇑ 1.91% INFO: 7,485.71 ⇑ 2.41% GINS: 9,598.85 ⇑ 3.08% LINS: 109,538.08 ⇑ 3.97% TELC: 1,544.97 ⇑ 2.84% MISC: 6,588.18 ⇑ 2.57% MJLBD | 2.73 | 30.24 | Vol. 155284 D: 76.40 ⇓ 0.91% | 76.99 | 78.10 / 70.00 C: 75.10 ⇓ 2.59% | 75.57 | 78.00 / 74.70 GBBPOWER | 1.86 | 22.63 | Vol. 739038 D: 27.00 ⇑ 2.66% | 27.05 | 27.30 / 24.00 C: 26.80 ⇑ 1.52% | 27.12 | 27.90 / 26.70 SPPCL | 3.81 | 23.34 | Vol. 1299792 D: 62.90 ⇓ 1.72% | 64.38 | 66.50 / 57.60 C: 63.10 ⇓ 1.25% | 64.46 | 66.00 / 57.60 JUTE JUTESPINN | 2.06 | 17.42 | Vol. 9150 D: 85.00 ⇓ 2.41% | 85.79 | 91.90 / 85.00 SONALIANSH | 5.54 | 218.80 | Vol. 55600 D: 158.4 ⇓ 1.37% | 168.63 | 176.0 / 156.8 TEXTILE AL-HAJTEX | 1.35 | 15.64 | Vol. 80482 D: 71.60 ⇓ 1.24% | 72.97 | 75.70 / 70.50 RAHIMTEXT | 0.51 | 73.88 | Vol. 7950 D: 234.3 ⇓ 5.75% | 243.52 | 251.0 / 229.0 SAIHAMTEX | 2.75 | 29.50 | Vol. 849800 D: 30.20 ⇓ 3.21% | 30.84 | 32.30 / 30.00 C: 30.30 ⇓ 4.11% | 31.02 | 32.10 / 30.30 MODERNDYE | 0.91 | 10.37 | Vol. 9050 D: 66.20 ⇑ 1.85% | 66.63 | 70.00 / 65.00 DSHGARME | 0.72 | 12.00 | Vol. 30300 D: 31.40 ⇑ 9.41% | 30.86 | 31.50 / 29.50 DULAMIACOT | -8.46 | -27.78 | Vol. 5900 D: 8.80 ⇑ 2.33% | 8.81 | 9.00 / 8.50 TALLUSPIN | 2.56 | 12.06 | Vol. 2908101 D: 40.90 ⇓ 1.68% | 41.35 | 42.40 / 39.50 C: 41.00 ⇓ 1.91% | 41.10 | 42.00 / 40.50 APEXSPINN | 2.01 | 49.32 | Vol. 3600 D: 66.70 ⇑ 0.30% | 66.76 | 67.80 / 65.50 C: 72.60 ⇑ 10.00% | 72.60 | 72.60 / 72.60 MITHUNKNIT | 4.54 | 30.39 | Vol. 464186 D: 119.0 ⇓ 0.83% | 124.66 | 129.8 / 108.0 C: 121.4 ⇑ 0.00% | 122.88 | 128.0 / 115.6 DELTASPINN | 3.06 | 18.12 | Vol. 888900 D: 35.70 ⇓ 1.11% | 36.21 | 37.00 / 32.60 C: 35.80 ⇓ 1.65% | 36.14 | 37.00 / 35.60 SONARGAON | 0.27 | 34.50 | Vol. 172686 D: 15.30 ⇑ 1.32% | 15.76 | 16.10 / 14.60 C: 15.20 ⇑ 2.01% | 15.52 | 16.30 / 14.50 CMCKAMAL | 1.37 | 19.31 | Vol. 1958228 D: 26.90 ⇑ 3.07% | 27.04 | 27.50 / 24.50 SAFKOSPINN | 0.95 | 21.78 | Vol. 832451 D: 21.20 ⇑ 1.44% | 22.14 | 22.80 / 20.00 C: 21.40 ⇑ 2.39% | 22.17 | 22.50 / 21.10 SQUARETEXT | 4.32 | 31.82 | Vol. 292675 D: 88.90 ⇑ 2.77% | 89.23 | 90.10 / 84.00 C: 89.70 ⇑ 2.99% | 89.28 | 90.00 / 86.50 METROSPIN | -1.00 | 19.59 | Vol. 314640 D: 15.90 ⇑ 2.58% | 15.87 | 16.10 / 14.00 C: 15.80 ⇑ 2.60% | 15.85 | 16.00 / 15.60 DACCADYE | 1.21 | 31.13 | Vol. 839209 D: 28.90 ⇑ 2.12% | 29.06 | 29.40 / 25.50 C: 28.80 ⇑ 1.41% | 28.93 | 29.10 / 28.70 RNSPIN | 2.80 | 16.58 | Vol. 4575605 D: 30.10 ⇓ 1.63% | 30.75 | 31.60 / 28.00 C: 30.00 ⇓ 1.64% | 30.68 | 31.50 / 29.90 ZAHINTEX | 1.91 | 35.25 | Vol. 861200 D: 32.40 ⇓ 2.11% | 32.92 | 33.80 / 32.00 C: 32.80 ⇓ 0.61% | 32.92 | 33.30 / 30.00 SAIHAMCOT | 2.48 | 22.87 | Vol. 1826750 D: 27.40 ⇓ 3.52% | 27.91 | 29.10 / 27.20 C: 27.50 ⇓ 3.17% | 28.02 | 29.00 / 27.30 GENNEXT | 1.68 | 15.15 | Vol. 3289940 D: 23.00 ⇓ 0.86% | 23.28 | 24.20 / 21.00 C: 23.00 ⇓ 0.86% | 23.14 | 23.90 / 21.20 ENVOYTEX | 3.26 | 39.26 | Vol. 1288400 D: 53.60 ⇓ 0.37% | 54.62 | 55.50 / 48.50 C: 53.20 ⇓ 1.12% | 54.17 | 55.40 / 53.00 ARGONDENIM | 1.89 | 38.86 | Vol. 2919320 D: 41.20 ⇓ 1.20% | 41.77 | 43.00 / 37.60 C: 41.10 ⇓ 1.20% | 41.74 | 43.00 / 40.10 FAMILYTEX | 3.72 | 14.68 | Vol. 434500 D: 31.00 ⇓ 2.52% | 31.54 | 31.90 / 30.60 C: 31.00 ⇓ 2.21% | 31.07 | 31.40 / 30.90 Pharmaceutical & Chemical AMBEEPHA | 3.94 | 26.15 | Vol. 17089 D: 271.3 ⇓ 4.64% | 285.82 | 296.0 / 260.0 C: 268.4 ⇓ 5.53% | 286.71 | 298.0 / 261.0

BXPHARMA | 3.77 | 52.55 | Vol. 388426 D: 50.10 ⇑ 1.62% | 51.05 | 53.00 / 44.40 C: 49.90 ⇑ 0.60% | 50.59 | 51.20 / 49.70 GLAXOSMITH | 20.25 | 123.32 | Vol. 5850 D: 997.5 ⇑ 6.60% | 992.48 | 998.0 / 960.0 ACI | -5.82 | 126.42 | Vol. 58300 D: 167.1 ⇑ 4.96% | 166.88 | 172.0 / 158.0 C: 167.4 ⇑ 6.02% | 165.64 | 172.0 / 160.0 RENATA | 33.57 | 138.83 | Vol. 92338 D: 756.9 ⇑ 7.44% | 741.47 | 757.3 / 690.0 RECKITTBEN | 27.16 | 78.89 | Vol. 3700 D: 843.7 ⇑ 6.70% | 827.67 | 850.0 / 791.0 C: 795.0 ⇑ 7.43% | 795.00 | 795.0 / 795.0 PHARMAID | 5.06 | 26.30 | Vol. 130350 D: 218.3 ⇑ 3.31% | 225.32 | 229.6 / 214.5 KOHINOOR | 9.52 | 10.49 | Vol. 115 D: 366.3 ⇑ 0.00% | 365.22 | 375.0 / 362.0 IBNSINA | 3.44 | 34.02 | Vol. 233780 D: 96.50 ⇑ 9.78% | 95.24 | 96.60 / 89.00 C: 89.10 ⇑ 9.86% | 89.07 | 89.10 / 89.00 LIBRAINFU | 4.64 | 1565.37 | Vol. 5200 D: 319.8 ⇑ 8.52% | 319.42 | 320.4 / 317.0 ORIONINFU | 8.72 | 1.73 | Vol. 179200 D: 44.40 ⇑ 0.45% | 45.18 | 45.90 / 44.30 C: 45.00 ⇑ 1.81% | 45.00 | 45.00 / 45.00 SQURPHARMA | 9.01 | 50.83 | Vol. 2234464 D: 222.6 ⇑ 0.72% | 221.89 | 223.5 / 210.0 C: 220.9 ⇑ 0.32% | 220.74 | 222.0 / 219.7 IMAMBUTTON | -1.68 | 5.67 | Vol. 52000 D: 7.90 ⇑ 8.22% | 7.90 | 8.00 / 7.60 C: 8.30 ⇑ 3.75% | 8.24 | 8.50 / 8.00 KEYACOSMET | 1.55 | 21.54 | Vol. 1317099 D: 27.90 ⇑ 3.33% | 28.12 | 29.00 / 24.30 C: 28.00 ⇑ 2.94% | 28.10 | 28.40 / 27.00 BERGERPBL | 32.46 | 100.20 | Vol. 41450 D: 909.3 ⇑ 7.23% | 900.21 | 910.4 / 823.1 C: 902.1 ⇑ 7.39% | 860.31 | 902.5 / 902.0 ACIFORMULA | 3.33 | 38.08 | Vol. 89150 D: 77.60 ⇑ 3.74% | 77.13 | 80.70 / 74.00 C: 77.20 ⇑ 2.52% | 78.63 | 82.70 / 73.10 MARICO | 27.53 | 62.47 | Vol. 35200 D: 715.7 ⇑ 7.38% | 712.60 | 716.4 / 680.0 C: 708.7 ⇑ 7.38% | 708.73 | 709.5 / 700.0 BEACONPHAR | 0.33 | 11.97 | Vol. 1007475 D: 15.90 ⇑ 8.90% | 15.85 | 16.00 / 14.60 C: 16.10 ⇑ 9.52% | 15.88 | 16.10 / 15.00 ACTIVEFINE | 3.23 | 13.89 | Vol. 2268080 D: 95.20 ⇓ 1.14% | 96.06 | 98.00 / 86.70 C: 94.60 ⇓ 1.87% | 96.09 | 99.70 / 94.20 SALVOCHEM | 0.68 | 10.57 | Vol. 2996891 D: 23.20 ⇑ 9.43% | 22.82 | 23.30 / 19.10 C: 23.10 ⇑ 8.96% | 22.90 | 23.30 / 21.50 GHCL | 2.14 | 57.31 | Vol. 722000 D: 52.60 ⇑ 1.15% | 53.39 | 54.00 / 51.90 C: 52.20 ⇑ 0.58% | 52.94 | 54.50 / 51.80 ORIONPHARM | 5.02 | 68.68 | Vol. 1007820 D: 67.00 ⇑ 0.30% | 67.92 | 69.00 / 60.20 C: 66.50 ⇓ 0.75% | 67.39 | 69.00 / 66.00 JMISMDL | 1.12 | 12.83 | Vol. 320500 D: 125.2 ⇑ 9.63% | 125.13 | 125.6 / 119.3 C: 123.2 ⇑ 10.00% | 123.15 | 123.2 / 121.0 CENTRALPHL | 0.61 | 10.99 | Vol. 928500 D: 33.90 ⇓ 1.74% | 34.68 | 35.70 / 33.80 C: 34.00 ⇓ 2.30% | 34.54 | 36.00 / 33.80 PAPER & PACKAGING HAKKANIPUL | 0.64 | 11.02 | Vol. 10000 D: 17.60 ⇑ 3.53% | 17.70 | 18.00 / 17.30

SERVICE SAMORITA | 2.31 | 17.25 | Vol. 29500 D: 87.10 ⇑ 9.84% | 87.03 | 87.20 / 83.50 C: 81.80 ⇑ 9.95% | 81.80 | 81.80 / 81.80 SAPORTL | 1.23 | 38.39 | Vol. 253475 D: 26.50 ⇑ 0.38% | 26.67 | 27.00 / 25.00 C: 26.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 26.85 | 27.80 / 26.20 EHL | 2.87 | 18.48 | Vol. 771400 D: 56.30 ⇑ 3.30% | 56.42 | 57.30 / 50.00 C: 55.90 ⇑ 2.95% | 56.29 | 57.40 / 55.30 LEATHER APEXTANRY | 6.57 | 69.38 | Vol. 657750 D: 132.4 ⇑ 0.23% | 132.25 | 135.0 / 125.0 C: 132.2 ⇑ 0.46% | 132.08 | 135.0 / 129.4 BATASHOE | 49.12 | 135.53 | Vol. 66088 D: 793.2 ⇑ 7.35% | 791.71 | 794.3 / 700.0 C: 792.2 ⇑ 7.49% | 784.33 | 792.2 / 692.0 APEXADELFT | 23.01 | 203.26 | Vol. 392600 D: 399.5 ⇑ 6.79% | 396.28 | 406.8 / 380.0 C: 390.0 ⇑ 2.63% | 390.00 | 390.0 / 390.0 SAMATALETH | -0.07 | 12.08 | Vol. 9500 D: 10.70 ⇓ 6.96% | 10.74 | 10.80 / 10.70 LEGACYFOOT | 0.63 | 17.19 | Vol. 156213 D: 15.60 ⇑ 9.09% | 15.28 | 15.70 / 13.50 C: 15.80 ⇑ 8.97% | 15.66 | 15.90 / 15.00 CERAMIC MONNOCERA | 0.71 | 96.33 | Vol. 14250 D: 29.10 ⇑ 4.68% | 28.87 | 29.40 / 27.50 C: 28.80 ⇑ 6.67% | 28.82 | 28.90 / 28.70 STANCERAM | 1.07 | 15.97 | Vol. 30000 D: 33.10 ⇑ 9.60% | 33.07 | 33.20 / 32.10 FUWANGCER | 1.43 | 13.25 | Vol. 398015 D: 18.80 ⇓ 1.05% | 19.14 | 19.60 / 18.00 C: 19.40 ⇑ 2.11% | 19.57 | 20.00 / 19.20 SPCERAMICS | 0.62 | 30.92 | Vol. 538748 D: 16.30 ⇓ 0.61% | 16.65 | 17.00 / 15.20 C: 16.30 ⇓ 1.21% | 16.46 | 16.90 / 16.20 RAKCERAMIC | 1.98 | 16.76 | Vol. 398369 D: 53.90 ⇓ 1.82% | 56.03 | 60.00 / 50.00 C: 54.50 ⇑ 0.74% | 56.27 | 57.40 / 54.50 MONNOCERA | 0.71 | 96.33 | Vol. 500 C: 28.80 ⇑ 6.67% | 28.82 | 28.90 / 28.70 CEMENT HEIDELBCEM | 22.85 | 111.50 | Vol. 259330 D: 381.1 ⇑ 4.73% | 384.29 | 390.0 / 360.0 C: 384.1 ⇑ 5.78% | 384.16 | 389.0 / 379.0 CONFIDCEM | 6.23 | 90.76 | Vol. 961568 D: 138.4 ⇓ 4.81% | 144.99 | 150.5 / 135.0 C: 138.5 ⇓ 3.48% | 144.70 | 150.0 / 136.7 MEGHNACEM | 6.28 | 33.81 | Vol. 606550 D: 145.8 ⇑ 6.35% | 150.12 | 150.8 / 140.0 C: 147.3 ⇑ 8.47% | 147.26 | 149.3 / 137.5 ARAMITCEM | 3.03 | 14.65 | Vol. 180700 D: 76.90 ⇑ 1.45% | 79.26 | 81.50 / 72.00 C: 80.00 ⇑ 5.26% | 80.00 | 80.00 / 80.00 LAFSURCEML | 1.60 | 7.22 | Vol. 849000 D: 33.00 ⇑ 2.17% | 32.93 | 33.80 / 32.40 C: 33.00 ⇑ 1.54% | 32.92 | 33.20 / 32.50 MICEMENT | 4.14 | 40.00 | Vol. 566284 D: 100.2 ⇑ 0.80% | 101.79 | 104.5 / 89.60 C: 100.6 ⇑ 1.31% | 102.26 | 99.70 / 100.0 PREMIERCEM | 3.59 | 22.92 | Vol. 537600 D: 130.4 ⇓ 2.03% | 133.90 | 140.0 / 129.4 C: 130.3 ⇓ 2.18% | 134.92 | 138.1 / 130.0 IT IINDUSTRIES ISNLTD | 0.28 | 17.31 | Vol. 25750 D: 13.10 ⇑ 1.55% | 13.14 | 13.30 / 12.50 C: 13.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.43 | 13.70 / 13.10

BDCOM | 1.00 | 14.91 | Vol. 163963 D: 21.40 ⇑ 0.47% | 21.74 | 22.50 / 20.00 C: 21.60 ⇑ 2.37% | 21.53 | 21.80 / 21.50 INTECH | 0.94 | 10.08 | Vol. 93177 D: 13.20 ⇓ 0.75% | 13.33 | 13.50 / 12.00 C: 13.40 ⇑ 1.52% | 13.46 | 13.60 / 13.30 AGNISYSL | 1.07 | 25.52 | Vol. 221900 D: 23.60 ⇓ 1.67% | 23.88 | 24.70 / 23.00 C: 24.40 ⇑ 1.67% | 24.37 | 24.70 / 23.90 DAFODILCOM | 1.12 | 11.14 | Vol. 376500 D: 17.50 ⇑ 1.16% | 17.66 | 18.00 / 17.40 C: 17.70 ⇑ 0.57% | 17.66 | 17.90 / 17.60 AAMRATECH | 1.17 | 20.44 | Vol. 2278850 D: 43.00 ⇑ 5.65% | 42.70 | 43.60 / 37.00 C: 42.70 ⇑ 4.40% | 42.63 | 43.50 / 41.20 GENERAL INSURANCE BGIC | 1.65 | 20.33 | Vol. 106630 D: 30.20 ⇑ 1.68% | 30.34 | 30.80 / 29.00 C: 30.00 ⇑ 0.67% | 30.24 | 30.60 / 29.70 GREENDELT | 4.05 | 64.44 | Vol. 260861 D: 119.1 ⇑ 2.14% | 119.81 | 125.0 / 105.0 C: 119.0 ⇑ 3.84% | 118.98 | 119.9 / 117.1 UNITEDINS | 2.47 | 21.04 | Vol. 31328 D: 49.20 ⇑ 3.36% | 48.58 | 49.80 / 45.50 PEOPLESINS | 2.05 | 20.72 | Vol. 149230 D: 27.10 ⇑ 1.50% | 27.03 | 27.50 / 26.00 C: 27.00 ⇑ 2.27% | 27.01 | 27.10 / 27.00 EASTERNINS | 2.22 | 35.88 | Vol. 35453 D: 39.70 ⇑ 8.17% | 39.34 | 40.30 / 36.70 C: 34.00 ⇓ 5.82% | 34.00 | 34.00 / 34.00 JANATAINS | 7.84 | 170.69 | Vol. 12909 D: 250.3 ⇑ 0.81% | 251.37 | 255.0 / 245.0 C: 250.3 ⇑ 0.72% | 250.67 | 255.0 / 250.3 PHENIXINS | 2.70 | 20.96 | Vol. 63485 D: 42.80 ⇑ 7.27% | 41.99 | 43.50 / 38.00 C: 42.80 ⇑ 7.00% | 42.65 | 42.80 / 42.50 EASTLAND | 4.06 | 23.29 | Vol. 653100 D: 52.20 ⇑ 8.98% | 50.11 | 52.60 / 48.50 C: 51.00 ⇑ 9.91% | 50.79 | 51.00 / 47.50 CENTRALINS | 1.54 | 19.04 | Vol. 39076 D: 29.40 ⇑ 1.38% | 29.48 | 29.80 / 28.00 KARNAPHULI | 1.56 | 19.42 | Vol. 173040 D: 22.80 ⇑ 1.33% | 22.95 | 23.30 / 22.60 RUPALIINS | 2.76 | 23.38 | Vol. 346276 D: 34.20 ⇑ 3.64% | 33.75 | 34.70 / 31.00 C: 34.30 ⇑ 3.94% | 33.96 | 35.00 / 33.20 FEDERALINS | 1.10 | 10.98 | Vol. 163545 D: 23.60 ⇑ 3.06% | 23.51 | 23.90 / 21.00 C: 23.80 ⇑ 3.03% | 23.61 | 23.90 / 23.10 RELIANCINS | 3.93 | 61.52 | Vol. 40500 D: 76.80 ⇑ 7.26% | 76.05 | 78.60 / 73.50 PURABIGEN | 1.05 | 18.71 | Vol. 523695 D: 23.20 ⇑ 7.91% | 22.81 | 23.60 / 20.00 PRAGATIINS | 2.01 | 50.30 | Vol. 89313 D: 60.70 ⇑ 5.93% | 59.14 | 61.00 / 54.00 C: 60.50 ⇑ 10.00% | 59.10 | 60.50 / 57.00 PRIMEINSUR | 2.14 | 14.14 | Vol. 98000 D: 29.80 ⇑ 2.05% | 29.87 | 30.30 / 29.30 PIONEERINS | 3.11 | 23.84 | Vol. 244123 D: 80.30 ⇑ 2.16% | 80.03 | 80.90 / 72.00 MERCINS | 1.53 | 14.50 | Vol. 312540 D: 28.70 ⇑ 8.30% | 28.11 | 28.90 / 25.50 C: 27.30 ⇑ 7.48% | 27.30 | 27.80 / 26.60 AGRANINS | 1.73 | 14.39 | Vol. 65610 D: 25.00 ⇑ 5.04% | 24.65 | 25.60 / 23.00 GLOBALINS | 1.09 | 11.78 | Vol. 115899 D: 31.60 ⇑ 6.04% | 31.45 | 32.00 / 28.00 NITOLINS | 2.59 | 15.41 | Vol. 26130 D: 36.20 ⇑ 5.85% | 35.78 | 36.90 / 34.00 C: 34.00 ⇓ 6.08% | 34.00 | 34.00 / 34.00 ASIAPACINS | 1.84 | 13.76 | Vol. 187000 D: 29.20 ⇑ 6.18% | 28.58 | 29.70 / 28.00 C: 28.70 ⇑ 7.49% | 28.70 | 29.30 / 28.00 SONARBAINS | 1.68 | 13.38 | Vol. 137717 D: 23.70 ⇑ 3.95% | 23.46 | 24.00 / 21.00 C: 24.00 ⇓ 3.23% | 24.00 | 24.00 / 24.00 PARAMOUNT | 1.26 | 13.19 | Vol. 63515 D: 22.40 ⇑ 6.67% | 22.39 | 22.80 / 20.00 C: 21.90 ⇑ 5.80% | 21.90 | 22.50 / 21.00 PROVATIINS | 1.90 | 14.30 | Vol. 47000 D: 27.50 ⇑ 6.59% | 27.36 | 27.80 / 27.00 C: 27.60 ⇑ 5.34% | 27.60 | 28.00 / 27.40

DHAKAINS | 2.84 | 18.02 | Vol. 86250 D: 40.70 ⇑ 3.56% | 40.97 | 42.40 / 39.00 C: 40.10 ⇑ 4.97% | 40.32 | 41.60 / 38.70 LIFE INSURANCE NATLIFEINS | 12.34 | 80.99 | Vol. 48747 D: 260.5 ⇑ 5.42% | 256.72 | 268.0 / 245.0 C: 263.0 ⇑ 6.05% | 255.80 | 265.0 / 236.0 DELTALIFE | 38.53 | 189.40 | Vol. 8750 D: 5380 ⇑ 3.75% | 5354 | 5380 / 5218 SANDHANINS | 2.39 | 28.22 | Vol. 189876 D: 76.10 ⇑ 9.81% | 74.55 | 76.20 / 62.50 C: 75.10 ⇑ 9.64% | 74.29 | 75.30 / 70.20 POPULARLIF | 3.70 | 715.41 | Vol. 14600 D: 157.2 ⇑ 9.09% | 156.49 | 158.5 / 151.5 FAREASTLIF | 9.21 | 60.79 | Vol. 313245 D: 124.9 ⇑ 9.75% | 121.95 | 125.1 / 105.0 C: 122.8 ⇑ 8.96% | 119.31 | 123.9 / 115.0 MEGHNALIFE | 10.82 | 48.87 | Vol. 263183 D: 103.6 ⇑ 9.98% | 101.56 | 103.6 / 85.00 C: 101.3 ⇑ 9.99% | 99.84 | 99.90 / 101.0 PROGRESLIF | 2.30 | 31.45 | Vol. 10500 D: 99.80 ⇑ 7.08% | 99.81 | 102.5 / 97.00 PRAGATILIF | 0.60 | 30.15 | Vol. 108500 D: 102.7 ⇑ 8.91% | 98.65 | 103.5 / 94.10 PRIMELIFE | 5.51 | 27.10 | Vol. 24329 D: 99.60 ⇑ 7.79% | 98.33 | 100.4 / 90.00 C: 99.80 ⇓ 1.67% | 99.80 | 99.00 / 100.0 RUPALILIFE | 3.75 | 31.25 | Vol. 75127 D: 90.80 ⇑ 9.79% | 89.60 | 90.80 / 82.00 C: 86.50 ⇑ 0.58% | 89.25 | 92.00 / 86.50 PADMALIFE | 1.63 | 25.76 | Vol. 211000 D: 61.50 ⇑ 3.89% | 60.99 | 63.60 / 58.00 C: 60.40 ⇑ 2.37% | 60.29 | 62.00 / 56.00 SUNLIFEINS | 0.00 | 0.00 | Vol. 398000 D: 51.40 ⇑ 9.83% | 49.58 | 51.40 / 47.00 C: 52.00 ⇑ 9.24% | 50.72 | 52.30 / 47.20 TELECOM GP | 12.96 | 26.26 | Vol. 2487791 D: 214.7 ⇑ 5.56% | 215.49 | 220.0 / 195.0 C: 215.0 ⇑ 5.96% | 214.62 | 220.0 / 208.0 BSCCL | 7.14 | 23.70 | Vol. 1673710 D: 288.4 ⇓ 4.47% | 295.40 | 309.3 / 277.0 C: 289.1 ⇓ 4.40% | 296.08 | 312.0 / 285.0 Travel & Leisure UNITEDAIR | 1.60 | 15.12 | Vol. 10356390 D: 20.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 20.96 | 21.50 / 19.00 C: 20.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 20.99 | 21.30 / 20.80 UNIQUEHRL | 4.02 | 86.29 | Vol. 1076265 D: 93.10 ⇓ 1.06% | 94.52 | 97.60 / 85.00 C: 93.00 ⇓ 1.06% | 94.71 | 97.50 / 92.60 MISCELLANEOUS ARAMIT | 16.07 | 99.93 | Vol. 13800 D: 264.0 ⇑ 1.54% | 263.91 | 269.9 / 260.0 BSC | 1.77 | 565.82 | Vol. 174855 D: 619.5 ⇓ 1.51% | 636.54 | 657.0 / 614.0 C: 622.3 ⇓ 1.07% | 636.43 | 670.0 / 618.0 GQBALLPEN | 6.55 | 250.45 | Vol. 243902 D: 164.5 ⇑ 0.73% | 167.18 | 172.0 / 150.0 C: 162.6 ⇓ 0.91% | 167.24 | 171.0 / 161.4 USMANIAGL | 0.50 | 26.03 | Vol. 262830 D: 162.2 ⇑ 8.57% | 164.01 | 164.3 / 145.0 C: 165.0 ⇑ 9.27% | 165.99 | 166.1 / 158.5 BEXIMCO | 3.24 | 86.74 | Vol. 1668435 D: 33.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 33.79 | 36.80 / 30.20 C: 33.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 33.85 | 34.60 / 33.20 SINOBANGLA | 1.75 | 21.01 | Vol. 177500 D: 19.50 ⇑ 3.17% | 19.62 | 20.00 / 19.20 C: 19.20 ⇑ 2.13% | 19.04 | 19.20 / 19.00 MIRACLEIND | 0.14 | 14.90 | Vol. 73550 D: 12.00 ⇓ 0.83% | 12.25 | 12.50 / 12.00 C: 12.30 ⇑ 1.65% | 12.31 | 12.40 / 12.20 BOND IBBLPBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 245 D: 952.0 ⇑ 0.45% | 954.17 | 955.0 / 950.0 C: 935.5 ⇓ 5.51% | 935.50 | 935.5 / 935.5 ACIZCBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 26 D: 850.5 ⇓ 0.29% | 850.00 | 851.0 / 850.0 C: 840.5 ⇓ 0.06% | 840.33 | 840.5 / 840.0 BRACSCBOND | 0.00 | 0.00 | Vol. 15 D: 1075 ⇑ 0.47% | 1075 | 1075 / 1075

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

monday, August 26, 2013

‘Marketing itself is an innovation’ Syed Alamgir, a practitioner, a consultant and a guru of marketing, implementing strategies acclaimed globally shares his success with Mehrab Al Islam Tell us a brief about your career.

After completing my postgraduate from IBA, I joined May & Baker Ltd, which is now known as Aventis Pharma. After spending about 16 years in various top management positions, looking to move to the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, I joined Jamuna Group as Group Marketing Director in 1992. During my six years at Jamuna, we launched Pegasus Shoes, Jamuna Welding, Jamuna Knitting & Dyeing Ltd and Aromatic Cosmetics Ltd. Subsequently, I joined ACI and currently am the Managing Director of ACI Salt Ltd, Executive Director of ACI Ltd, and Board Director of seven ACI affiliated companies.

Besides my corporate profession, I am teaching Marketing at South East University as part time faculty for two years. Furthermore, I also participate in some crucial government assignments when asked. Recently, I have been signed as anchor of ‘Corporate Star’, a show scheduled to be aired on Asian Television.

About the ‘100% Halal’ slogan.

I proposed the `100% Halal’ slogan as a marketing proposition for Aromatic beauty soap in competing with Lux. It turned out to be a unique selling proposition (USP), as the use of vegetable fat and it being non-halal gained mass consumer attention.

This strategy was covered by Phillip Kotler in his latest “Principle of Marketing” textbook edition as a clever example of market positioning.

Little bit more about innovative marketing strategies in the South East Asia.

Marketing itself is an innovation continuously thriving to come up anew with bright glory features. It is the core concept of marketing to identify and fulfil the need gap of

Designation: Managing Director, ACI Salt Limited Education: MBA, IBA, Dhaka Universty.

Career background: Pharmaceuticals, FMCG, Consultancy, Teaching Interests: Politics Hobbies: Reading, Watching TV, Networking

Finnish telecom giant Nokia said Saturday it is in talks with India's government about how to create a better business climate and remains "committed" to its manufacturing plant in the country.

The statement followed an Indian Express newspaper report Friday that said the mobile maker had told New Delhi the country is now its "least favourable market" in which to operate and it made better sense to export its products from China.

"Nokia can confirm that it has been in discussions with the central government and state government over ways to bring greater clarity to the business environment in India," the company said in an emailed statement to AFP. "These discussions have been both constructive and productive, and both sides have worked in a true spirit of cooperation,"

ACI salt production amount from market perspective.

ACI has recently established a world-class plant, purchased from Switzerland which shall meet country’s 20% need.

Tips to aspiring marketers.

Study and think marketing according to your country’s perspective. Be solemn, stern and serious.

Try to be with your customers, find the need gap, stay updated, study, and be candid and truthful consumers. Marketing strategies go through subtle innovations as invention, creation, transformation and mobilisation are updated regularly.

Difference in theory and practice of Philip Kotlers Marketing principles in our country.

Eventually, it comes down to a mix of theory and practice while marketing a product or service in our country. It’s difficult to measure the difference as variants to be considered are in most cases unmeasurable, qualitative or demographic, psycho-demographic in nature.

Tell us a bit more about the National Quality Assurance and Control Manual (NQSACM) to

improve the quality of iodised salt in Bangladesh.

NQSACM is a dynamic process of standardising commodities. In FMCG market, customers hold the power. If consumers’ expectation is unmet or quality is unsatisfactory, product will automatically fail. Like any regulatory body, NQSACM can only implement standard or policy.

What does it mean to ACI: Pure Salt?

ACI salt serve people of all social economic class (SEC), it is the first purchasable product free of class. It is a vital product for consumers as it fulfils one of the most important needs of human being; helps develop their merit and also connects ACI with millions of households.

Nokia says committed to India despite difficulties n AFP, New Delhi

What is the current consumption and demand of salt?

15 grams of salt is consumed by a person each day. This adds up to a total of 2m metric tonnes of salt demand whereas 1.2m metric tonnes demand is for edible salt.

the company added.

Foreign direct investment in India has slowed sharply amid mounting domestic economic woes including a plunging rupee, a huge current account deficit, slowing growth and perceived government policy paralysis.

A string of tax disputes embroiling Nokia and other multinationals including Cadbury Royal Dutch Shell and Vodafone has also deterred investors.

Nokia, fighting a 20bn rupee ($311m) tax demand from Indian authorities, did not elaborate on the contents of its talks with the government.

The Indian Express report Friday said Nokia had urged the government to "act quickly to correct the wrong perception of India as a place for business".

It quoted the phonemaker as saying "the political risk of operating in India" has become "suddenly substantially higher and may inevitably influence future decisions to

develop one's operations in India".

But Nokia said in its statement it remained "committed" to India which remains a "priority market" and its Chennai plant plays an "integral part in our global manufacturing strategy". The Chennai plant is one of Nokia's biggest worldwide.

India has stepped up its pursuit of alleged tax delinquents to reduce a hefty budget deficit. Nokia insists software downloaded onto its mobiles in India should to be taxed in Finland under a bilateral treaty between the countries, but India's tax authorities view it differently.

India - one of the world's fastest-growing mobile phone markets - is the second largest market for Nokia which began operations in the country in 1995 and employs 8,000 workers directly in Chennai.

Nokia, which had been India's leading handset maker for 14 years, recently ceded its crown to South Korea's Samsung. l

Tell us about your family, interests and hobbies.

I have three daughters and three grandchildren. They are dear to my heart.

I like reading a lot. Watching TV is also very interesting to me, as you can never tell what you might come by, pick up and implement the same in an innovative manner. I am a man who can’t stay idle. I’m either reading, watching or networking all the time.

Any favourite quote.

“Jodi tor dak shune keu na ashe, tobe ekla cholo re” – Rabindranath Tagore “Nasrun min Allahi wa fat-hin qareeb” (Surah as-Saff 61:13), which means Allah gives honour to him only, who is fit for it.

What’s next in your career?

I am staying with ACI and have some interest in politics. Let’s see…

That’s how we do it: Survey the consumers, find out the need gap, try to fill it up and acquire their trust. l

Blackstone eyes Europe, Asia for real estate investment

n AFP, New York

Global investment giant Blackstone is reshuffling its vast real estate portfolio, shedding US assets to buy new ones in Europe and Asia.

The New York-based firm has plenty of firepower, with $64bn in real estate assets under management, the world's largest portfolio in the sector.

Blackstone recently has been lining up its strategy with an eye on juicier investment prospects outside the United States.

That includes a slew of asset sales and IPOs of units to generate cash for other acquisitions. "We are in a period of time where you can expect to see real-estate realization growing," Tony James, Blackstone's president and chief operating officer, said in a July conference call. l